Brussels, 04/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - To avert potential shortages and price hikes on their domestic markets, China, Russia and Argentina have decided to restrict or ban wheat exports, leaving the United States and the EU competing with each other. Argentina, the world's sixth biggest global exporters of wheat with production estimated at 15.4 million tonnes in 2007/2008, 10 million tonnes of which has been exported since the beginning of the marketing year, has decided to ban wheat exports. China introduced a 20% wheat export levy and Russia will introduce a 40% wheat export levy from the end of January to 30 April 2008. Since the start of this marketing year, Russia has exported 12 million tonnes, the EU 9 million tonnes and the United States has almost reached its export target of 32 million tonnes. (E.H.)