The impact on the Turkish sector is varied. Grape exporters saw their most important market drop out, as did tomato growers. Pepper growers, on the other hand, have not been hindered. Putin didn't close the borders for peppers. The Russian parliament is supporting the government's efforts to become self sufficient. The inspection will be checking closely for illegal products. Syrian exporters also see a lot of potential in the Russian market, Belarus intercepted 200 parties of smuggled wares last year and the Russian import from Uruguay and Thailand decreased.
Turkish grape export decreases due to boycott and weather
The Turkish grape cultivating region Alasehir in Manisa saw the export of the Sultanye grape decrease by 56 percent last year compared to the year before. In 2014 250,755 tonnes was exported. Last year the counter didn't rise above 143,156 tonnes. The main sales market for the grapes is Russia, worth 106,749 tonnes last year. Only 36,407 kilos was exported to European countries, Turkish media reports. In 2014 the export of grapes increased by 29 percent compared to 2013. Last year the export decreased, partially due to hail and frost limiting the harvest, and for the other part due to the increasing crisis with Russia after taking down a fighter jet. The yield was 30 percent lower.
Russian prices lower than last year
According to Fruit-Inform calculations the prices for a number of basic products in Russia are below the level of last yet. Although the prices are rising, this increase isn't as steep as last year. Carrots are exported for 12 to 15 roubles (0.13-0.16 dollar) per kilo. This is 17 to 20 percent less than last year. Red beets and onions are a third cheaper than last year. The white cabbage was 40 percent more expensive around this time last year. The biggest decrease is for potatoes. Compared to last year the prices are 60 percent lower.
Turkish peppers dodge bullet
Turkish pepper exporters in Antalya were not hindered by the boycott. The trade with Russia continues at prices of 1.30 Euro per kilo. Peppers aren't on the list of boycotted products, but the trade of other products that aren't on the list is reportedly being obstructed. Antalya is the largest horticulture region in Turkey. Recently the growers have been dealing with extremely cold weather and a lot of growers lost the most important sales market due to the boycott. Tomato growers are being hit the hardest. They are looking at new markets such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the internal market. Other export destinations named are: Moldova, the Ukraine, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Belarus.
Russian parliament supports import substitution
The Russian parliament supports the government's import substitution programme, according to a Duma representative. A questionnaire showed that the most popular answer was 'improving the mechanisms to expropriate agricultural land not being used as such'. Being self sufficient and food safety are two of the Russian government's targets. 237 billion roubles is reserved for this goal this year. The money is also invested in logistic facilities, greenhouse complexes and modernising the sector.
Russian inspection announced checks
With the start of the boycott of Turkish fruits and vegetable, the Russian inspection service Rospotrebnadzor has announced they will be increasing checks for illegal products among stores, wholesalers, markets and chains. During the first week of January 360 shipments with a total volume of 18 tonnes is said to have been intercepted at the border.
With the start of the boycott of Turkish fruits and vegetable, the Russian inspection service Rospotrebnadzor has announced they will be increasing checks for illegal products among stores, wholesalers, markets and chains. During the first week of January 360 shipments with a total volume of 18 tonnes is said to have been intercepted at the border.
Putin's plan B: fruit from Syria
Syria has shipped its first party of lemons and oranges to Russia. The ship recently departed from Latakia. The land torn by civil war is hoping to fill the hole left by Turkey in the Russian market. Around 60 tonnes of lemons and oranges are on their way to the Russian market. According to the estimates 34,000 tonnes of citrus is to be shipped to Russia every month. Last year around 1 million tonnes of citrus was grown in the region Latakia.
Belarus intercepts smuggled goods
The Belarus customs' mobile teams have intercepted a party of smuggled good. Last year the counter was at over 200 interceptions of products boycotted by Russia at a value of 2.2 million Euro. Abkhazia will also take action to prevent the smuggling of Turkish products over the border.
Iran starts export to Russia
The Iranian government is working hard to lift restrictions on export to Russia. The country is said to have sent 500 trucks towards Russia. Transport goes through Azerbaijan, where the products were slightly delayed. After the intervention of local politician the transport continued.
Decrease in Russian import
According to the official statistics Russia imported 37 percent less fruits and nuts from Uruguay in the first half of 2015. The counter ended on 3.2 million dollars. In 2014 Russia imported a value of 5.06 million dollars.
The import of processed fruit and vegetables from Thailand also decreased. In the first months of 2015 46 percent less was imported from Thailand, which adds up to 17.9 million dollars against 33.03 million dollars a year before.