Kazakhstan to slowdown export of grain — forecast

AKIPRESS.COM - The Kazakh Grain Union says export of the Kazakh wheat is projected to decrease by 21% in 2020, LS reported.
According to the statement, reduction of supplies will be due to Uzbekistan, which has been the main importer of grain over the past 7 years.
"The forecasts say that the Kazakhstani wheat in 2019-2020 season will decrease by 21% compared to the last season. Export of flour will be cut twice up to 1.24 million tons. Uzbekistan plans to reduce import this season by 1 million ton, which is explained by a high level of harvest in the country and a decrease of a high quality wheat on the Kazakh market," the statement reads.
At the same time, the Union claims that the cultivation areas for hard wheat in 2019 were reduced by 10% due to the fact that the prices in the 2018-2019 season were lower than in previous seasons and the market transferred into a more marginal cultivation.
Barley export will be also decreased this year in Kazakhstan, the Union said.
The corn farming in Kazakhstan was negatively affected by a strong drought during the vegetation period from April to July 2019.
Uzbekistan is the main consumer of wheat and flour from Kazakhstan.
The Ministry of Agriculture says the country might increase export of wheat to China.