Russian wheat export prices fell last week amid higher domestic supply from farmers willing to free up storage before the new crop arrives in summer, analysts said on Wednesday.

Russia, one of the world’s largest wheat exporters,continues to export despite difficulties with logistics andpayments caused by Western sanctions on Moscow over what Russia terms its “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Prices for wheat with 12.5% protein content for supply inMay from Black Sea ports were down by $10 to $370 free on board (FOB) at the end of last week, the IKAR agriculture consultancy said.

Sovecon, another consultancy, said Russia exported 780,000tonnes of grains last week, citing data from ports, comparedwith 590,000 tonnes a week earlier.

Russian wheat prices rise with active exports

“This is the highest weekly amount of wheat exports sincemid-February,” it added. Publication of import-export data byRussia’s customs service remains suspended.

Sovecon expects the pace of wheat exports from Russia toslow down in coming weeks as the state export quota is beingdepleted, the rouble currency is strong amid capital controlsand the export tax is rising.

In the sunflower oil market, Russia set its export tax at$525 per tonne for June, up from $372 per tonne in May, theagriculture ministry said on Wednesday.

Spring grains were planted on 3.3 million hectares as ofApril 28 vs 3.6 million hectares a year ago as the sowingcampaign is lagging in Russia’s Central and Volga regions.