Suspension of Grain Sales to Soviet Union: Monitoring Difficult--Shortfall Substantially Offset

On January 4, 1980, the President announced the suspension of grain shipments to the Soviet Union in excess of the 8 million metric tons of wheat and corn which the United States was committed to export by the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Grain Supply agreement. The suspension was directed at the Soviet Union's important feed and livestock sector; improved domestic availability of meat, milk, and eggs has been a major goal of Soviet planners. The Administration estimated that the suspension would have a substantial adverse impact on Soviet feed usage, numbers of livestock, and meat consumption.