Russia’s grain exports, including flour and pulses, will rise to 1.5 million to 1.6 million tonnes in March from 1.3 million in February thanks to shallow-water ports opening after the winter, SovEcon agriculture analysts said in a note.  Russia’s grain exports are running high mainly due to barley and maize (corn) supplies, revived after a tax on wheat exports was imposed from February 1. The country, one of the world’s key wheat exporters to North Africa and the Middle East, will export 30 million tonnes of grain in the 2014/15 marketing year, which lasts until June 30, SovEcon said.  Its estimate includes up to 21.5 million tonnes of wheat, up to 5.3 million tonnes of barley and about 3 million tonnes of maize, the consultancy added. Wheat exports have declined after the tax was imposed, but have not stopped. The tax is set at 15 percent of the customs price plus 7.50 euros, but no less than 35 euros ($38) a tonne. Russia’s wheat exports will rise to 600,000 tonnes in March from 447,000 tonnes in February thanks to shallow-water ports opening after last winter, according to SovEcon’s estimate. Source: Reuters