FAS/Astana forecasts Kazakhstani wheat production in MY 2018/2019 at 14 million metric tons (MMT), 0.8 MMT less than in MY 2017/2018, as wheat sown area is expected to fall, reducing harvested area.
FAS/Ottawa is forecasting MY 2018/19 wheat production to remain similar to the MY 2017/18 level, as additional spring wheat area and improvements in durum yields offset lower spring wheat yields.
Economic mismanagement and an overdependence on oil exports have led to Venezuela’s economy contracting for the fourth year in a row, down an estimated 15 percent in calendar year (CY) 2017.