RIF, one of Russia’s prominent grain exporters, has ceased agricultural goods handling operations at an Azov terminal, as confirmed by the terminal’s owner to Reuters on Tuesday. This development comes amidst a dispute with authorities that has resulted in a slowdown of grain exports from the region.
The Azov terminal, which serves as a gateway to the Azov Sea, typically manages approximately 15,000 metric tons of grains daily or around 4 million tons annually. Petr Khodykin stated, “(Our) operations are blocked, we can’t ship. RIF’s TD Terminal in Azov has stopped receiving and shipping agricultural products.”
The Russian agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, reported an uptick in complaints from importing countries regarding the quality compliance of Russian grains with quarantine standards, particularly related to supplies from TD RIF. In response, the agency has proposed enhanced oversight measures, including stricter monitoring of phytosanitary conditions for exported grain.
Khodykin previously informed Reuters that vessels loaded with RIF’s grains were stranded at Russian ports since March 18 due to the absence of phytosanitary certificates. Subsequently, Rosselkhoznadzor issued certificates to several vessels, including one at the request of Egypt’s General Authority of Supply Commodities (GASC).
While a vessel carrying 50,000 tons of wheat departed the port on Monday, seven ships remain anchored at the ports, with one vessel, Wadi Almolouk, prepared for delivery to GASC. Additionally, two more ships destined for GASC are en route to Russia for loading, as confirmed by Khodykin in alignment with earlier reports from industry sources cited by Reuters.