WASHINGTON, DC, US — Kazakhstan’s wheat production is expected to rebound from the previous drought-impacted crop last year, according to an April 27 Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Increased soil moisture from rain during last fall and winter pushes the country’s anticipated wheat output to 13.5 million tonnes for the 2020-21 marketing year, which compared with 11.4 million tonnes the previous year.  The USDA forecasts Kazakhstan’s wheat exports for the year to a total of 6.7 million tonnes but the country is beginning to implement restrictions on certain exports.

Due to concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Kazakhstan has implemented restrictions of certain food products and commodities, including a monthly export quota for wheat and flour. The restrictions are intended to ensure adequate domestic supply.

“Currently, millers claim that export restrictions will create an excess supply of both grain and flour, and that increased demand for food in other countries amid the spread of COVID-19 could help companies recapture losses incurred last autumn and allow mill to stay afloat,” the USDA said.

Unlike wheat and flour, Kazakhstan’s barley exports are not limited. The USDA expects the export of the commodity recover slightly to 1.8 million tonnes for the 2020-21 marketing year due to increased supply. The country’s barley production is forecast to tick up slightly to 3.9 million tonnes.

Follow our breaking news coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 situation.