Russia could export around '60 mln tonnes of grain if it doesn't get in its own way' this agricultural year - VEB chief economist

YEKATERINBURG. Nov 17 (Interfax) - Russia could significantly strengthen its position on the global food market in the long run and is capable of exporting approximately 60 million tonnes of grain this agricultural year, VEB.RF chief economist Andrei Klepach said.

"We have a record harvest such has never been, about 150 million tonnes of grain. [...] If we don't get in our own way, we have export quotas and duties, [...] then we can export about 60 million tonnes to Africa and not only to Africa," Klepach said at a press conference in Yekaterinburg on Thursday.

Egypt and countries of the Middle East are the largest buyers of grain from Russia, he said.

"Russia can significantly strengthen its position on the food market. Especially by building partnership relations with Kazakhstan," Klepach said.

Grain exports from Russia are currently limited by a floating duty that has been in effect since June 2, 2021. An annual export quota is introduced from February 15 to June 30, which is calculated by the Russian Agriculture Ministry. It has been determined at 25.5 million tonnes this agricultural year.