Russia to start a much stricter control of imports from Belarus. In recent months many products, with import documents not in order, were intercepted. The stricter inspection will also take illegal imports from Turkey into account. Last week truckers in Moscow stopped traffic completely because of the increased tax for trucks. Four trucks with questionable documents were held until the product's country of origin became clear.
Phytosanitary inspections on the border between Belarus and Russia are being tightened. Phytosanitary certificates, and the authenticity of the products, are being more closely looked at. These measures are being taken after multiple products from Belarus were intercepted that did not meet the requirements. In addition, the inspection will also look for illegal imports from Turkey, via Belarus, starting in January.
Earlier this month Russia intercepted four trucks from Belarus that did not meet the requirements. One truck was loaded wit broccoli and lettuce (total weight: 9.56 tons) from Macedonia, the second truck had South African pears (19.4 tons), the third had fruit and vegetables from Brazil and Morocco (17.5 tons) and the fourth has 16.6 tons of South African products. According to the Russian inspection, the documents had been tampered with. According to the papers, the products are re-exports from the Czech Republic. The Czech authorities were asked to clarify, until the situation becomes more clear the trucks remain locked up.
Strike stops traffic in Moscow
Russia's goal: breadbasket of the world
Patriotism reigns supreme
Earlier this month Russia intercepted four trucks from Belarus that did not meet the requirements. One truck was loaded wit broccoli and lettuce (total weight: 9.56 tons) from Macedonia, the second truck had South African pears (19.4 tons), the third had fruit and vegetables from Brazil and Morocco (17.5 tons) and the fourth has 16.6 tons of South African products. According to the Russian inspection, the documents had been tampered with. According to the papers, the products are re-exports from the Czech Republic. The Czech authorities were asked to clarify, until the situation becomes more clear the trucks remain locked up.
Strike stops traffic in Moscow
Although the Azerbaijan government announced last week that the conflict over the new tax was resolved, there were demonstrations from Russian drivers in Moscow last week. The angry truckers blocked the road as a show of protest against the increased tax for trucks weighing more than 12 tons. The protest was planned for November 30th, but the police successfully intercepted the trucks before they arrived in Moscow.
Blueberry prices have quadrupled
In the summer months Russia grows its own blueberries, and there are also wild blueberries available. During these months import is quiet. Previously, blueberries were imported from European countries, but now the focus is on Latin America. Uruguay, in particular, is an important supplier, says a trader. In the summer the price for berries was between 5 and 8 dollars per 1.5 kilo. The imported berries are 14 to 17 dollars per 1.5 kilo. Transporters are considering stopping the direct transport to Moscow and instead import the berries via Rotterdam. The importers hope this will cut costs.
Russia's goal: breadbasket of the world
In his annual address, President Putin pointed out that Russia has the potential to become the breadbasket of the world, "We can feed many countries with the farmland and water resources we have. Russia can become the largest supplier worldwide of healthy, sustainable, high quality food, which some Western companies no longer deliver." To achieve this dream, the efficiency of farms in Russia would need to increase. In recent years the export of food has increased. Last year the country exported twenty billion dollars worth of agricultural products, this is a quarter more than defence exports and a third more than the gas yields, "Ten years ago Russia imported half of all its food. We were very much dependent on import. Thanks to the farmers, Russia is an exporter now."
Patriotism reigns supreme
Since Crimea was annexed in March 2014 Russians have become more nationalistic. Russians are proud of their country, in a survey 82% said that the Russian nationality is preferable to any other nationality. In 1996, 36% of Russians said that Russia was the best place in the world to be born. From 2000 onward this percentage fluctuates around 70%. Pride for their history has also increased, and fewer Russians are ashamed of developments in their country.
Murcia sees opportunity in Russia
Murcia sees opportunity in Russia
The Spanish region of Murcia sees a great opportunity after the boycott on Turkey. Murcia has offered to replace the products from Turkey on the Russian market. In a letter to the agriculture sector, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is called upon to start importing from Murcia. The exporters expect a reaction from Moscow soon. The exporters point out that the region has a long relationship with Russia and resuming export is therefore simple. The Spanish region falls under the embargo Russia placed on all European fruits and vegetables, so the question is whether Russia will accept this. Previous requests, including ones from Greece, were not honored.
Syria will start exporting to Russia
Syria will start exporting to Russia
On December 5th a ship with oranges and lemons left the Latakia port in Syria for the Russian market. Syria wants to take advantage of the import ban on Turkey. The 800 tons of fruit will arrive at the Novorossisk port on December 18th. The exporter hopes that more can be exported now that Russia has boycotted Turkey.