Moldova lifts wheat export ban as new crop approaches

CHISINAU, June 27 (Reuters): Moldova has lifted its export ban for wheat and flour, its government said, amid pressure from the approaching new harvest and protests by farmers demanding a chance to move out the old crop to free up storage facilities.

The former Soviet republic imposed the ban on March 1 to guarantee enough domestic supply after Russia sent forces into neighbouring Ukraine, which affected shipping via Moldova's usual Black Sea export route by inflating freight costs.

Moldova's exportable surplus in the 2022/23 July-June marketing season will total 720,000 tonnes of wheat including the new crop and the remaining stockpile, its local association of grain exporters told Reuters.