Laurel Duggan, DCNF

Countries are imposing export restrictions on food in light of shortage concerns sparked by the war in Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Export restrictions were quickly imposed after Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine to increase domestic supply and slow the rise of prices, but the trend could exacerbate rising global food prices and shortages, according to the WSJ. Ukraine and Russia are both major exporters of grains and vegetable oils.

Restrictions on food or fertilizer exports were put in place in 26 countries in 2022, according to the WSJ. Economists told the outlet these restrictions would temporarily ease the pain of food shortages in the countries that use them, but are a temporary measure that contributes to higher food prices globally.

India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer, banned wheat exports May 13 as domestic prices jumped while Indonesia, which produces 60% of the world’s palm oil, blocked exports of the substance in late April before lifting the ban in late May. Ghana barred maize, rice and soybean exports; Argentina banned beef exports; and Iran and Egypt blocked the export of numerous foods, according to the WSJ.

Rising bread prices in many places, shortages and disrupted supply chains – these are the results of the Russian attacks on Ukraine's agriculture and trade routes. We are working internationally to keep markets open and to enable exports. #foodcrisis pic.twitter.com/KIpfs1zVdD

— Germany at NATO (@GermanyNATO) May 25, 2022

“It’s one of these classic things where there’s really a short-term sugar high for the government … And then you end up with the same scarcity problem you had before,” said Simon Evenett, professor of international trade and economic development at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, according to the WSJ.

Food prices rose nearly 30% over the past year, according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, with the trend accelerating following the invasion of Ukraine. President Joe Biden expressed concern about the food shortages March 24.

“With regard to food shortages, yes, we did talk about food shortages,” Biden said. “And it’s gonna be real.”

• About
• Latest Posts

BPR Wire

Latest posts by BPR Wire (see all)

• ‘No other way to spin it’: CNN expert says inflation number ‘positive news’ - December 18, 2025
• Fairfax County freed illegal despite ICE request — now a man is dead - December 18, 2025
• US may be entering moderate moment as voters reject radicalism, poll suggests - December 18, 2025

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.