LONDON: Exports of grain are leaving Russia’s Azov Sea for Turkey again after suffering delays in the wake of Turkey’s shooting-down of a Russian warplane, but some traders remain nervy about striking new deals, according to industry sources.
The continuation of shipments highlights the countries’ mutual dependence in international trade. Turkey vies with Egypt to be the largest importer of Russian wheat, while Russia’s boycott of some EU products has left it reliant on imports of fruit and vegetables from Turkey.
Gregory Souris, director of Actava Trading DMCC, a Dubai-based brokerage, said Actava finalized customs documents on Thursday for multiple ships waiting to take grain to Turkey from the port of Yeysk on the Azov Sea. The vessels hadn’t been granted papers earlier this week, he said, adding that the holdups only applied to ships bound for Turkey.
“It seems to be they are now clearing the vessels,” he said.
Erol Yahya, Executive Director of Turkish milling group Intermil-Un, said a 3,000 ton vessel carrying wheat for the company left the Azov Sea Thursday after being delayed in the wake of the destruction of the Russian jet on Tuesday.
Still, the situation remains uncertain with tensions between the countries running high. “It’s a mystery to us what’s going to happen,” said Mr. Souris.
On Thursday, Russia’s Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachyov ordered tighter controls on agricultural products from Turkey, saying some Turkish products don’t meet Russian standards.
A Kremlin spokesman said the agriculture ministry’s move wasn’t an embargo. Russia’s introduction of tougher inspections on foodstuffs frequently coincides with heightened tensions with the country affected.
