According to China's quarantine and inspection agency in Heilongjiang Province, demand for Chinese agricultural products in Russia is on the rise. Reasons are an increases in the value of the ruble and heightened purchasing capacity among Russians.
In January, fruit and vegetables with a total of 6.9 million USD were exported to Russia, equal to 3,800 tonnes. For Heilongjiang Province, this was an increase of almost 85%. Vegetable shipments amounted to US $3.94 million - a 130 % growth.
Russia is ranked as the fifth most market among countries around the world with a rising demand for fruit, for which its population purchases about 100 kilograms of fruit a year.
"There was a significant growth in demand for Chinese agricultural products at the start of winter. Additionally, the price of the ruble, which had bottomed out at the end of 2015, is gradually recovering, profit volumes from fruit exports are growing, as well as Russians' purchasing power," said a 46-year-old businessman, involved in trade between the two countries.
Forecast are that the exports will weaken in the summer months.
