Interruption of grain trade from Ukraine: poor people, poor countries hardest hit – WTO 

July 18, 2023

The Director of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Okonjo Iweala has condemned the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the interruption of the grain trade from Ukraine.

In a series of tweets on Monday, Iweala expressed her deep disappointment, saying, “I share the United Nations Secretary General’s regret and concern.”

She noted that the Black Sea trade in food, feed and fertiliser is critical to the stability of global food prices.

“Sad to say that poor people and poor countries are hardest hit. Let’s keep hope alive on renewal.”

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that Ukraine is prepared to continue grain exports after Russia announced it was exiting a landmark deal brokered with Turkey and the UN to unblock deliveries from the major producer.