The lifting of the embargo issued by Russia on citrus products has been a boon for western Mediterranean exporters. Mustafa Vardar, president of the West Mediterranean Exporters' Association (BAİB), stated that exports from the western Mediterranean region, covering Antalya, Burdur and Isparta, had a good start in 2017, reaching $130 million in the first month of 2017, a 30 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to Dünya daily.
Satıcı highlighted that there was an increase by half in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector's exports after the Russian Federation opened its borders to Turkish citrus products and that the activities for alternative markets are continuing to develop.
"BAİB focused on the launched projects in order to continue overseas marketing activities in an organized manner. The representatives of the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, who participated in the Fruit Logistica Fair in Germany, will conduct market research studies in the United Arab Emirates after Germany," Satıcı said.
Satıcı also added that exports to Iran increased by 137.9 percent, while exports to Kazakhstan hit $5.4 million, with a 358.9 percent increase. Although Russia lifted the embargo on citrus, the embargo on apples, pears, grapes, strawberries, cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, broccoli and cucumbers is still in effect.
