KIEV, UKRAINE — Ukraine’s grain exports hit a record 46 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2019-20, Reuters reported, citing the Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture.

The exports included 17.9 million tonnes of wheat, 23.3 million tonnes of corn and 4.3 million tonnes barley.

Ukrainian bakers and millers have asked the government to limit exports of grains and related products to maintain bread prices due to the coronavirus.

In response, the economy ministry plans to control wheat export shipments, sell flour domestically and agree with traders on a maximum volume of wheat for export, Reuters said.

UGA, the nation’s major traders union, said it agreed with a proposal to limit wheat exports to 20.2 million tonnes in 2019-20.

Ukraine harvested a record 75.1 million tonnes of grain in 2019, up from 70 million in 2018.

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