Mediterranean stone fruit on Russian shelves

Despite the sanctions the shelves in Moscow are full of fruit and veg from the EU. Spanish, Italian and Greek peaches and nectarines are smuggled over the border through Belarus. The website kathimerini.com describes the route the stone fruit travels.

Traders in Belarus are suspected of smuggling the products over the border, likely with the help of Russian officials. A report which states that the Belorussian peach and nectarine export to Russia has doubled, did not result in surprise, despite the fact that Belarus has no significant peach and nectarine production. Later it became clear that the fruit was coming from Spain and Italy. According to the article traders with Russian connections travel through the north of Greece whilst buying large volumes.

The Greek traders know that it is still possible to export to other members of the EEU (Eurasian Economic Union). This trade block of five countries also has open borders. Besides Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan are members of this trade block.

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