Produce prices drop in Russia after sanctions on Turkey lifted

The step-by-step removal of the Russian embargo on the import of Turkish fruit and vegetables has relieved Russian consumers and pleased Turkish exporters. Turkish National Citrus Council Chairman Kemal Kaçmaz said the price of products, on which the embargo was lifted before the new year, dropped around 40 percent, adding that this pleased both Russian consumers and Turkish dealers who sell products in the Russian market through grocery store chains.

Underlining that Russia escaped logistical costs because of its geographical proximity to Turkey, Kaçmaz stated that this also reduced the price of citrus fruits. He added, "Both the fall of logistical costs and the affordability of Turkish products reduced the price of oranges, mandarins and grapefruits, on which Russia lifted the embargo."

Russian delegation visits Antalya

According to the West Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAİB) Chairman Mustafa Satıcı, a Russian delegation is visiting Antalya to examine production areas and laboratories until Friday. Meanwhile, a Turkish delegation is also visiting Russia to examine red meat which Russia will export to Turkey. Highlighting that negotiations are progressing in a positive way, Satıcı noted that they expect for the removal of the embargo on all products by the end of November.

Mehmet Ali Akgöl, the Russia representative of Turkish Akaş Gıda, which exports fresh fruit and vegetables to Russia, said the price of citrus fruits in the Russian market has fallen around 40 percent. He further stated that the lifting of the embargo greatly alleviated stress on the Russian market and dealers, continuing that he expects the embargo on importing Turkish tomatoes will soon be lifted.

Embargo on tomato still in place

Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci touched on Russia's embargo on the import of tomatoes, saying that it is tomato season and if the embargo continues, both countries will have to take economic measures against each other. He stated that he has voiced concerns on the issue many times during telephone conversations with Joint Economic Commission (KEK) Chairman Vladimir Novak and Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev.

Fresh fruit, vegetables costly for Russians

Since only 10 percent of the Russian landmass is suitable for cultivation and the embargo prevents food imports, the prices of fresh fruit and vegetables are high for Russian consumers. Despite this, apples, pears, grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, onions, cauliflower, broccoli and cucumbers are still on the list of prohibited import products.

Prices in Crimea return to normal

Owing to the deficit of oranges in the Russian market, prices soared by 16 percent in September, while the biggest reason for the deficit was identified as Russia's embargo on Turkish fruit. With the removal of sanctions on the import of Turkish citrus fruits, retailers began exporting oranges at two times cheaper than Egyptian oranges. With the resumption of ferry services from Crimea to Turkey at the end of October following a halt of one year, Turkey dispatched tons of fruit to the Russian-dominated peninsula. After this, state authorities said the price fall was around 40 to 50 percent.