The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance may limit import of tomatoes from Belarus, following high volumes of re-exported vegetables.
In 2017, the Republic of Belarus imported 75 thousand tons with a value of $63 million, having become one of the five biggest importers. Russian information agency Novosty reported that, according to a representative of the Federal Service, Julia Melano, the main reason for the decision is re-export of sanctioned goods via Belarus.
In 2017, the Republic of Belarus imported 75 thousand tons with a value of $63 million, having become one of the five biggest importers. Russian information agency Novosty reported that, according to a representative of the Federal Service, Julia Melano, the main reason for the decision is re-export of sanctioned goods via Belarus.
Belarus is one of the five biggest tomato exporters to Russia. According to data from the National Vegetable and Fruit Union and the Federal Customs Service, in 2016 Belarus exported 81 tons of tomatoes. In 2017 the import was reduced to 75 thousand tons. In terms of value, last year import amounted to $63.3 million. In all, according to the Russian statistics committee, import of tomatoes to Russia in 2017 increased by 11% and reached 516 thousand tons. The biggest suppliers are Azerbaijan (151 thousand tons), China (109 thousand tons), and Morocco (98 thousand tons).
The executive director of the National Vegetable and Fruit Union, Mikhail Glushkov noted that in 2017 Russia increased domestic production of tomatoes by 20-25%, to 300-330 thousand tons. He added that in the current year the growth would continue, that is why the ban on import of tomatoes from Belarus will not have a serious influence on the Russian market. A top manager of a major greenhouse complex has commented that the possibility of tomato import limitations has been discussed for over a month. He also added that despite the relatively low volume of tomato import from Belarus, the ban will allow Russian producers to enlarge their share of the market.
Recently, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance has become more active in intercepting food products supplied by Belarus. On February 22, the Federal Service announced a temporary limitation on import of tinned and condensed milk, cream, whey protein concentrate and buttermilk, explaining the decision by the unsafety of these Belarusian products. On February 29 the Federal Service have moved the date of limitation implementation to March 6 due to “technical reasons”. Later, the deadline was extended again and, in the end, the sanction was cancelled. The reason for that has not been specified.