Analysts of CJSC Rusagrotrans lowered the forecast for exports of Russian grain in February 2017 to 1.8-2 million tons, in contrast to the previous forecast, which was 2.3-2.4 million tons. In addition, the export volume will drop significantly compared with the same month last year, as announced on February 20 by the Deputy Director for Strategic Marketing and Corporate Communications of Rusagrotrans, Igor Pavensky. According to the expert, adverse weather conditions have become the main reason for lowering the forecast and slowing down grain supplies from deep-sea ports in the first half of the month. From the point of view of traditionally low shipments from small ports, the factor will have a significant impact on total exports.
At the same time, to date, weather conditions have improved, and the pace of grain shipments has slightly increased. Thus, until the end of February, deep-water ports will be able to supply about 1.3-1.4 million tons of grain, said I. Pavensky. In particular, this month the export of wheat in Russia will reach about 1.4-1.5 million tons, barley - 80-100 thousand tons, corn - 350-400 thousand tons. In addition, Rusagrotrans reduced preliminary estimates of exports in March from 2.9-3 million tons of grain to 2.5-2.6 million tons, due to low contractual activity, strengthening ruble exchange rates, as well as the stability of domestic prices in the southern region of Russia .
The absence of large volumes of exports in February and March, as well as a reduction in demand from importing countries in the coming months, as well as upcoming new crop volumes, will ensure total exports from Russia in 2016-2017 in the amount of 35 million tons of grain, compared to previously expected 36.1 million tons, including 27 million tons of wheat (previous forecast - 28 million tons), the expert notes. 
