The import of food into Russia increased by 6% in 2017, according to data from the Federal Customs Service.
There hadn’t been growth for several years. After the collapse of the rouble and the introduction of the import ban in 2014, the import of products had been greatly reduced. In 2016, the country imported 20% less food than two years earlier.
The main reason why this trend is changing is due to the fact that Russia has been importing more fruit and vegetables.
“The import of fruit has grown due to the greater volumes of cherries and grapes from Turkey, bananas from Ecuador or citrus fruits from South Africa,” explained the Federal Customs Service.
Besides, several countries which are not subject to sanctions have also increased the sale of vegetables to Russia.
Experts say that the stronger rouble is also helping boost imports. The cost of foreign products is declining, and consumption is increasing. This indicates that foreign vegetables are not being replaced by domestic ones, but that people have been eating more vegetables and fruits, so suppliers have been buying more.