Russia expects the reduction of grain exports in 2013 due to increased competition from Ukraine and Kazakhstan, Russia's deputy agriculture minister Aleksandr Petrikov said this at an international conference "Black Sea Grain and Oil-Bearing Plants", according to ITAR-TASS.

"Given the projected decline in purchases from Egypt, which until recently has been the largest buyer of Russian grain, and increased competition from Ukraine and Kazakhstan due to a good harvest, the Russian grain supplies to the main market outlets could reduce," he said.

Petrikov estimated the export potential at 18-20 million tons, while ensuring full domestic needs. The Russian agriculture ministry projects this year's harvest of 90 million tons and the level of carryover stocks at the beginning of the season at 12.3 million tons. Meanwhile, Russia has already harvested 61.7 million tons of grain, 6.7 million tons up over the same period last year.

According to the forecasts of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, the gross harvest of grain in the country in 2013 will reach 53-54 million tons, 10 million more than last year. The agriculture ministry's forecast for grain exports in 2013-2014 marketing year is 26 million tons.

Ukrinform