Russia remains a major importer of fresh fruit and vegetables, with an estimated 7 million tons imported in recent years. This places Russia fourth globally, following the United States (22.5 million tons), Germany (9.0 million tons), and the Netherlands (7.3 million tons), ahead of China (6.5 million tons) and the United Kingdom (5.7 million tons).
Since Russia stopped publishing import and export data following the start of the war with Ukraine, import figures are now estimated based on exports from other countries to Russia. These figures may not always be accurate due to complex trade routes, but they remain the best available data. Even limited information provided by some (Russian) sources is often questionable. The total value of fresh fruit and vegetable exports to Russia is estimated between €4.5 billion and €5 billion, with Turkey accounting for €0.8 billion and Ecuador between €0.6 billion and €0.7 billion.
Before boycott in 2014 still 8.5 million tons
Judging by the export figures of other countries to Russia, Russian imports in the past two years have been lower than before. Before the 2014 boycott, Russia imported over 8 million tons of fresh fruit and vegetables annually. In the years that followed, this fell to 6.8 million tons in 2020 and 2021, according to Russian import statistics. Based on export figures, between 7.2 and 7.5 million tons were shipped to Russia during those years. More recently, imports have dropped to less than 7 million tons.
Bananas lead imports
Bananas are by far the most significant import for Russia, with around 1.5 million tons imported annually, almost entirely from Ecuador. However, banana imports have shown a slight decline in recent years. Mandarins, including clementines, are the second most important product. Although the exact volume is not known, it is estimated to be around 700,000 tons. Turkey is Russia's main supplier of mandarins, followed by Morocco and South Africa.
Other notable imports range between 300,000 and 400,000 tons, including peaches, nectarines, apples, tomatoes, oranges, and grapes. Peaches and nectarines primarily come from Turkey, with additional supplies from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. In 2024, most apples imported by Russia came from Azerbaijan, replacing Moldova as the top supplier. Moldova remains the second largest supplier, followed by Serbia, Turkey, China, and South Africa. Tomatoes are mainly imported from Azerbaijan, China, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Armenia. Oranges are sourced from Egypt, Turkey, and South Africa, while grapes are mainly supplied by Uzbekistan and Turkey, with smaller volumes from India.
Ecuador is the largest supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables to Russia, but its export volume has fallen from 1.6 million tons to 1.25 million tons in recent years, consisting almost entirely of bananas. Turkey is the second-largest supplier, exporting 1.13 million tons last year, significantly less than in previous years. The decline was most notable for mandarins, lemons, and grapes, while peach exports reached a record high.
More from countries in Central Asia
Uzbekistan's exports to Russia have surged, reaching nearly 1 million tons in 2024, up from just 340,000 tons in 2023. The main products are cabbage and grapes. In addition to Russia, Uzbek exports to other countries like Kazakhstan and Pakistan have also grown significantly. In total, Uzbekistan reportedly exported 2.2 million tons of fresh fruit and vegetables last year, with imports also rising sharply.
Also, more from Iran
China's vegetable exports to Russia increased last year, reaching 640,000 tons, although this was lower than the more than 700,000 tons recorded in 2018. Mandarins are the primary product, followed by carrots, tomatoes, and grapefruits. Iran has also increased its exports to Russia, reaching around 600,000 tons. Peppers, kiwis, cabbage, and oranges are the main products. Azerbaijan's exports have grown to around 550,000 tons, with tomatoes and persimmons being the primary products. Kazakhstan is also exporting more to Russia, with 365,000 tons shipped last year, compared to 210,000 tons in 2023, mainly consisting of onions.
Less from Egypt
Egypt's exports to Russia have declined significantly, falling below 200,000 tons in recent years. Oranges are the main export product. South African fruit exports to Russia have remained stable, ranging between 280,000 and 290,000 tons, primarily consisting of oranges, mandarins, lemons, and pears. Morocco's exports to Russia dropped sharply, falling from over 200,000 tons in 2020 to just 11,000 tons in 2024, mostly mandarins.
Moldova
Moldova's exports to Russia have also declined significantly in recent years, falling to less than 100,000 tons. Apples remain Moldova's most important export product to Russia.
For more information:
Jan Kees Boon
Fruit and Vegetable Facts
[email protected]
www.fruitandvegetablefacts.com