Russia halts grain shipments to Syria, exporters don't want to take risks

According to Russian and Syrian sources, Russian wheat shipments to Syria have been suspended due to uncertainty about the new government and payment delays. Two ships carrying Russian wheat to Syria have not reached their destinations. Fears after change of government A Russian government insider revealed that shipments to Syria have been suspended because exporters are worried about who will manage wheat imports after the change of government in Damascus. Previously, purchases of Russian grain were organized by the Syrian General Office for Grain Processing and Trade (Hoboob), relying on a network of international intermediaries to bypass international sanctions against Russia. The new government in Syria means a change in foreign and trade policy, as well as personnel changes at the Office for Processing. There are also suspicions that an entirely new agency will be established. Meanwhile, Syria, as a result of the internal armed conflict, already has significant arrears and ...