Ukraine will not halt grain exports this year, but may introduce quotas, the country's ambassador to Belarus said at a news conference in Minsk on Wednesday.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Serhiy Tigipko earlier said this year's harvest forecast was revised from 46 million metric tons down to 42 million metric tons, including 18-19 million metric tons of wheat.
"As a WTO member, Ukraine is not entitled to halt exports... At the moment, only grain export quotas may be discussed," Roman Bezsmertnyi said.
The country plans to export approximately 15 million metric tons of grain this year.
Bezsmertnyi said the government has already discussed the possible introduction of quotas with grain exporters, but "no decisions have yet been made."
Russia froze its export of grain, including wheat, barley, rye and corn, from August 15 to December 31, following a drought and wildfires that have destroyed some 11 million hectares of crops. Forecasts for this year's harvest have fallen as low as 60 million metric tons, 38% less than last year.
MINSK, August 18 (RIA Novosti)
