Former USSR grain situation and outlook - grain production estimate for 1991/92; trade developments; Commodity Credit Corporation updates fiscal year 92 program announcements to permit sales to successors of former Soviet Union

Former USSR Grain Situation and Outlook

The estimate of the 1991/92 grain production for the former USSR(1) remains at 175 million tons. Estimated imports are unchanged from last month's estimate of 39 million.

Trade Developments: No Major Sales Reported

Around 27 million tons of grain imports appear to have been committed to date for 1991/92 (July-June) delivery, including nearly 15 million tons of wheat and more than 12 million of coarse grains. Wheat purchases from the United States as of January 2 totaled around 4.9 million tons and corn purchases were 6 million tons for 1991/92 July/June. Canadian shipments have been slower than expected, likely extending the delivery into spring. Under the US$500-million credit program offered by Canada, 4 million tons of grain reportedly have been sold, consisting of spring and durum wheat and barley. The grain was originally contracted for delivery through February 1992.

Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Updates Fiscal Year 92 Program Announcements to Permit Sales to Successors of the Former Soviet Union

On December 27, 1991, the CCC announced that the balances in credit guarantee availability remaining under FY 92 GSM-102 allocations previously announced as available in connection with sales of U.S. agricultural commodities to the Soviet Union may still be delivered to any of the following destinations:

  Russia         Ukraine
  Byelarus       Armenia
  Kazakhstan     Kyrgyzstan
  Moldova        Azerbaijan
  Uzbekistan     Tajikistan
  Turkmenistan   Georgia

The guarantor remains Vneshekonombank. Also on December 27, 1991, five Export Enhancement Program (EEP) Invitations were reissued to reflect each of the above Republic's eligibility under the programs. In addition, the wheat and vegetable oil invitations were opened to any eligible buyer in those countries. Previously only Exportkhleb could buy wheat and only Prodintorg could buy vegetable oil under EEP. The other three commodity invitations, rice, wheat flour and barley are also open to any eligible buyer in those countries.

(1)Estimates of the former USSR will continue to cover all previously covered territories, including the Baltics, until further notice.

COPYRIGHT 1992 U.S. Department of Agriculture
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group