Macaroni producers ask to toughen the regime of export of durum wheat from the Russian Federation, to introduce an increased duty on it

Manufacturers of pasta and flour mills have prepared an appeal to the government of the Russian Federation with a request to introduce a separate export duty on durum wheat by the end of August 2022, since, they believe, the current floating duty on wheat does not protect the domestic market.

The rise in prices for raw materials forces them to raise prices for manufactured products, which will lead to their rise in retail prices.

The letter, which Interfax got acquainted with, was prepared for the name of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. It was signed by representatives of the All-Russian Movement of Entrepreneurs, the Altai Union of Entrepreneurs, Barilla Rus, Sea Group (Shebekinskie brand), Makfa, Pospelikhinskaya macaroni factory (Grandmulino brand), Extra M, Samara Mills and other.

"Taking into account the current world prices for durum wheat (the main raw material for pasta production - IF), the existing floating duty on wheat exports absolutely does not protect the domestic market of consumers and processors. We consider it necessary to introduce a separate duty on durum wheat by the end of August 2022, which , according to our calculations, should be at least $ 190-210 per ton, "the letter says (at present, the export duty on wheat is $ 52.5 per ton, from September 22 it will decrease to $ 50.9).

The authors of the document report that since the beginning of the new season (from July 2021), the price growth for durum wheat reaches 80%, "it continues, which is significantly reflected in the cost of production, since there are only two ingredients in the recipe for pasta - durum flour. wheat and water. "

Among the factors behind the rise in prices are the small sown areas under this grain, as well as the drought that hit the main regions of its cultivation (Orenburg and Chelyabinsk regions). In addition, Kazakhstan, which previously supplied durum wheat to Russian processors by 30-40%, reduced the harvest this year.

The situation on the world market also makes its contribution. "Due to a 34% decrease in the production of this crop in the main exporting countries - Canada and the United States - world prices for durum wheat have doubled. This factor makes the export of the already meager Russian durum wheat crop to the world market extremely attractive," - the letter says.

Rising prices for raw materials are forcing manufacturers to raise the cost of their products. "Taking into account the current inflation in the durum wheat market, the cost of pasta for the end consumer will increase significantly," the authors of the letter warn, drawing also attention to the fact that if prompt measures are not taken to protect the domestic market, the industry may face a shortage of raw materials.

In addition, they consider it necessary to coordinate work within the EAEU in such a way as to prevent the export of Russian durum wheat under the guise of Kazakhstani wheat, bypassing the export duty.

To correct the situation, in their opinion, will also allow the development of a set of special measures for federal support for durum wheat producers. These measures should, in particular, be aimed at increasing its sown area.