The integration of Russia to the World Trade Organization (WTO) came into effect on Aug. 22 after 18 years of negotiations. Russia has become the main market for the export of fruit and vegetables from Spain.
Exports of fruits and vegetables from Spain to Russia in 2011 stood at 243,027 tons, 47% more than in 2010, making Russia the first non-EU member market for Spanish fruit and vegetables. Spanish vegetable export to Russia in 2011 reached 35,276 tons compared to 23,877 tons in 2010, 48% more, due to increased exports of cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce. Fruit shipments totalled 207,751 tons, compared to 141,259 tons in 2010, 47% more. Peaches, nectarines and tangerines were the most imported fruit by Russia from Spain.
In 2011 Russia accounted for 30% of total exports from Spain to countries outside the EU, which stood at 814,896 tons.
For 2012 Russia still remains the main destination of Spanish fruit and vegetable exports, since in February shipments grew 50% compared to the same months of 2011, totalling 47,362 tons, according to the latest information updated by the Department of Customs and Excise Tax Agency, processed by FEPEX.
After the final integration of Russia in the WTO, there is concern from FEPEX to establish an adequate policy to maintain the good performance of exports of fruits and vegetables.
To to help maintain the momentum of Spanish exports of fruits and vegetables to Russia, FRUIT ATTRACTION, the international fair of fruits and vegetables that will be held in Madrid from the 24th to 26th of October 2012, has programmed in collaboration with ICEX, a program of international buyers, in which Russia will have special relevance.
Source: Fepex