Black Sea grain deal extended for at least 60 days

In a last-minute move, the safe corridor to facilitate grain export from Ukraine to many industries – including pet food – was extended after the mediation of the United Nations (UN) and the Government of Turkey.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the continuation of the agreement is also the continuation of “vital exports” and support to farmers in Ukraine.

“I welcome the agreement by all parties to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation of export of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Guterres added that the initiative demonstrates “the importance of discreet diplomacy in finding multilateral solutions.”

The deadline for extending the agreement ended on 18 March after a previous prolongation in November 2022.

60 or 120-day extension?

Russian negotiators said they agreed to a 60-day extension, while Ukraine’s government pointed out the deal had been extended for 120 days. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in recent days he wanted a 120-day extension. 

The United Nations negotiation team said discussions about the specific details of the extension are still taking place between the parties. 

Ukrainian officials warned last week that Russia’s position to extend the deal for only 2 months “contradicts the document signed by Turkey and the United Nations.”

Positive outcome 

According to official sources, the deal had allowed the export of 24 million short tons of grain to 45 countries. In the first 2 months of 2023, 6.5 million short tons were exported under the initiative.

Corn and wheat make up the majority of food exports (77%), followed by sunflower meal and oil (11%) and barley (4.3%).

The UN said that the initiative “has been credited with helping to calm global food prices, which reached vertiginous highs in March 2022.” Now, prices for grain are believed to cost 18% less than a year ago.