February 8 2003, 17:13 Interfax-Ukraine

Introduction of extra charge from grain exports would entail drop in purchasing prices - Ukrainian Grain Association

Introduction of additional charge from exported grain can lead to a drop in domestic purchasing prices, President of Ukrainian Grain Association Mykola Kompaniets has told Interfax-Ukraina.

Members of the Association provide about 80 percent of Ukrainian grain exports.

Kompaniets said should the charge be introduced, the traders would have to cut the purchasing prices for grain, for the amount corresponding to the charge.

President of Ukraine suggested government Friday considering the possibility to introduce extra charge from exported grain, the earnings from which were to be directed to technical re-equipment of agriculture.

In July-December 2002 Ukraine exported some 8.6 million tonnes of grain.

Grain export from Ukraine in 2002/03 marketing year (July through June) is expected in the amount of 12 million tonnes.