International trade - Incubator

Rosselkhozbank's CEA forecast: the biotechnology market in Russia will reach 4.2 million tons and 700 billion rubles by 2028. Agriculture in 2021 amounted to 149 billion rubles, with an expected growth to 190 billion rubles by 2028. Biotechnologies are used to reduce production costs and increase crop yields.

National projects include the development of breeding, production of veterinary drugs, and support for the agro-industry.

The sowing of early spring crops is ending. The sowing area is more than 283 thousand hectares. Sugar beet sowing is completed on 95 thousand hectares, part of it suffered from frost. Corn sowing continues (142 thousand hectares, 111 thousand hectares sown) and sunflower sowing (96 thousand hectares out of 103 thousand hectares) is ongoing.

Due to adverse weather conditions, measures have been taken to protect crops. Farmers in the Upper Volga region are actively working in the fields, applying fertilizers, and sowing crops. The authorities of the Tver region support agricultural producers, helping them to carry out their plans for spring work in 2025.

Prices for sunflower seeds in Kazakhstan continue to rise. Prices for flaxseed have also increased due to high demand and limited supply. Processing of flaxseed in the EU may decrease due to shortages. China is actively purchasing flaxseed from Russia. Global flax exports will decrease, leading to a reduction in oil and meal production.

In Kazakhstan, there are about 6,100 farmers supported with a total of 382.5 billion tenge. For spring work, 700 billion tenge has been allocated, with 560 billion coming from commercial sources. The program of preferential financial support for agricultural machinery continues. There have been 3,200 applications received for a total amount of 120 billion tenge.

Maize production in Brazil in 2024/25 will reach a historical level of 124.7 million tons. Maize reserves are at a minimum. Due to high demand, prices will remain stable. According to USDA forecasts, maize production in Brazil will reach 130 million tons by 2025/26.

Malaysia has simplified the import of sorghum from the USA, opening up new opportunities for American producers. According to the US Grains Council, this will allow Malaysia to receive high-quality feed, contributing to the development of the economy. The volume of American grain purchases in Malaysia is increasing, exceeding $32 million by February 2023.

The USGC plans to promote sorghum in Southeast Asia, highlighting its value.

From May 14 to May 20, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation approved new rates of customs duties on grains. Export duties on wheat will be reduced by 2.3 rubles, remain zero on barley, and decrease by 52.9 rubles per ton on corn. The government revised the rates in connection with last year's harvest to stimulate exports and support agricultural producers.

According to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, as of April 30, 31.3% of corn has been harvested, which is 9.3% more than the previous week. Harvesting is slowing down due to rains and farmers' focus on soybean crops. The condition of the crops has improved: poor and very poor - 20%, fair - 42%, good and excellent - 38%.

The expected corn harvest is 49 million tons.

Active sowing campaign is taking place in Altai Krai, especially for oilseed crops, mainly sunflower. As of May 7, about 310 thousand hectares have already been sown, which is almost 35% of the plan, three times more than last year. Agricultural enterprises from several regions are actively participating in the campaign.

By the 19th week, freight rates in the Azov and Black Sea region remain at $19 per ton. Russia will increase the export duty on wheat while keeping the duty on barley at zero. Tariffs for transporting wheat and corn remain stable.

In the Ukrainian wheat market (according to the terms of the SRT port), prices continue to decline due to an excess of grain and low demand.

In the port of Odessa, prices have decreased to $226-232 per ton CPT port, while in the Danube port, they range from $227-231 per ton CPT port as of May 8, 2025.