Russia is due to impose an embargo on Ukrainian and European apples, whereas the embargo on Polish, Moldovan fruit has already come into effect. According to the experts’ opinion, this is likely to influence the Russian market of apples, and inevitably affect the prices.
On July 21, the federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service in Russia imposed the embargo on Moldovan fruit, and yesterday on Polish fruit and vegetables. And now, an eventual embargo on apples from Ukraine has been announced. The officials claim that it is going to happen in case of confirmation of Ukrainian re-export of Moldovan fruit and vegetables. The embargo on Polish fruit was explained by numerous violations in certificates. Furthermore, by the end of the week the embargo could be imposed on fruit from all EU countries, due to frequent cases of imported fruit contamination with quarantine pest - Oriental Fruit Moth, - reported the officials Monday.
It is to be noted that about 80% of apples at Russian markets are imported, whereas the Russian production is not sufficient to satisfy the demand. The leaders in apple import are Poland, Moldova and Serbia. Thereby, the EU countries together with Moldova and Ukraine supply 75% of apples imported into Russia. That is why the officials foresee an inevitable lack of supply, and consequently, a rapid price rise.
The embargo on Polish apples is estimated to be the most significant – 47% of imported into Russia apples are from Poland. The experts comment that Polish and Moldovan apples have been always competing with local producers and holding back the price rise. As a result of sanctions being imposed, the price rise would start in autumn – the import peak-time. Moreover, it would be followed by a more rapid one in December, as the local stocks would be decreasing.
