or maybe?

[rayjenkins]

The fact that the export tariff does not kick in until February 1 should provide some clues that the regime is trying to have it both ways.

In the long run, they need to be a reliable export supplier

In the short run, they want to control food costs

If they were really serious about the latter, there would be no grain loaded next 30 days.....

[Palouser]

Reuters has indicated that Russian grain scheduled under contract have not shipped out..

[Palouser]

..... according to Reuters.

That's actually a tactic I've seen by Russians too. Announce a change in the future. While people are focused on that the action desired is taken BEFORE that, catching everyone by surprise - including specs, farmers, mafia and bureaucrats.

[Palouser]

Russia's grain exports stop - farm lobby

24-Dec-2014 06:59

• About 3 mln T of grain are now stuck in Russia - Union
• Egypt's GASC: traders are obliged to abide by contracts
• No clarity on when official export duty to be announced
• Wheat futures rise on Russia export curbs

(Adds comments from lobby group, trader, Egypt)

By Polina Devitt and Maha El Dahan

MOSCOW/ABU DHABI, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Russia's grain exports have stopped due to curbs brought in to protect domestic supply, putting big deals at risk, an influential farm lobby group said on Wednesday.

Russia's main wheat buyers are Turkey, Iran and, very vulnerable to supply disruption, Egypt.

Moscow imposed informal grain export controls with tougher quality monitoring and limits on railroad loadings earlier this month, as it tackles a financial crisis linked to plunging oil and Western sanctions. (Full Story)

"Since last Thursday not a single vessel, which had been due to sail under contracts, has left," Arkady Zlochevsky, the head of Russia's Grain Union, the farmers lobby group, said.

Officials also plan to impose duty on grain exports. Zlochevsky said its exact level was an unimportant detail, as he was sure it would be prohibitive.

"All loadings are suspended, there is only a need to legally formalise it," Zlochevsky said. Global wheat futures WH5 BL2H5 rose after his comments. .............................................

[wrightcattle]

they cannot afford to import anything as their marginal crop wreck continues.

russia is in a tough spot...it could get a Lot tougher and they sense that.

[Palouser]

Now they are saying Egyptian contracts will be honored for 120,000 MT in January.

[wrightcattle]

keep in mind they have a 30 to 40 year gas deal with china now.

sooooo...china finds the wheat and trades russia so russia can fill...( or maybe not 2...russia will likely defauly ).

God and Jesus have a great sense of humor...just watch ( and look in the mirror 2. MO ).

[Hobbyfarmer]

Bet these graphics change in the next decade...

http://www.rferl.org/contentinfographics/brics-economic-graphics/25457967.html

[Hobbyfarmer]

Ukraine Settlement Talks Break Down

Ukraine Settlement Talks Break Down    12/26 06:19

   MINSK, Belarus (AP) -- The foreign ministry of Belarus, which has been 
hosting Ukraine peace talks, says the much-anticipated round of negotiations on 
Friday has been scrapped.

   Ministry spokesman Dmitry Mironchik told The Associated Press that the talks 
broke down but did not give a reason.

   The opening round was held on Wednesday, one day after Ukraine's decision to 
drop its non-aligned status, which added a new element of tension to the 
attempts to resolve the violent crisis in the country.

   The talks were to discuss how to improve an often-violated cease-fire that 
was declared in September, to pull back heavy weapons and to exchange of war 
prisoners. The negotiators included representatives of Ukraine, Russia, 
pro-Russian rebels and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

[sw363535]

Been thinking about this one since posted ---The graphs --Hobby,

How do you expect them to change?  

I can see China's continuing to go up.  I can see Brazil going up a little, but their appetite for growth and improvement is politically limited and the need for "other peoples money" is ever present.

India & South Africa --socially and politically are locked in limited growth.  With SA probably going down if anywhere.

Russia -- Much too dependent on one income source.  As the middle east works to cut off financing to radical Islam, Russia gets hurt.

just thoughts but possible China keeps going up while the others struggle.

The old work rule---- the folks doing the work build economies.

Really wonder what your thinking on this one?