American apple sector fears imported diseases

The American sector fears importing diseases when the market opens for Polish apples. Turkey exports more to Azerbaijan during first eight months of the year. Moldavia wants to increase export to Belarus and therefore invests in infrastructure projects. Uzbekistan is interested in export to Russia, and pleads for simplified regulations. Medvedev promises fruit and vegetables to become cheaper in the far east of Russia.

Although the American sector is anticipating the import of Polish apples, their biggest concern is not the fruit. Cultivators fear diseases and fungi not yet known to the region may be imported along with the apples. The cultivators therefore hope that the USDA sets strict demands on the fruit. According to an expert, it is no more than logical that those demands are placed on the apples, and that the concerns are premature.

During the first eight months of the year, the Turkish export of fresh produce to Azerbaijan amounted to 33,500 tonnes, worth about $12.84 million. Compared to the same period last year, exports increased by 98 per cent. Vegetable exports amounted to $6.36 million. Fruit export, especially citrus, brought in $5.4 million. During the first months of 2015, exports did not exceed 12,231 tonnes, at $6.48 million. Turkey appears, at least in part, to have compensated for the effects of the Russian boycott by exporting more to neighbour Azerbaijan. 

The Moldavian government is open to collective investments in Belarusian infrastructure. This should increase exports of Moldavian products to Belarus and the Eurasian Economic Union. The prime minister of Moldavia, Pavel Filip, announced this after meeting Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko. Both statesmen expressed their appreciation for the cooperation between the countries.

Uzbekistan and Russia are negotiating on simplifying procedures for the trade of fruit and vegetables. The Uzbek government therefore proposes establishing a ‘green corridor.’ A working group from the two countries has already been given the assignment of boosting trade. According to reports, exports from Uzbekistan have already increased significantly, but a simpler procedure would further advance trade.