The figures available on the damage caused by the Russian ban differ greatly depending on the source. The real extent is difficult to calculate, but based on the figures of previous years it is possible to have a general picture of European exports to Russia. Freshfel Europe calculated the export volumes and prices on the basis of the Eurostat/Comtrade database. Today, part 1: an overview of European exports.
The total exports from the EU to Russia have grown significantly since 2011. In 2011, the EU exported 1,952,640 tonnes of fruits and vegetables to Russia worth 1.5 billion Euro. Two years later, in 2013, exports increased to 2.3 million tonnes worth nearly 1.9 billion Euro, which gives Russia more than a third of the total value of the EU's exports. These figures do not show that the Russians pursue an independent position from the West.
Russia imports a lot of apples, which are hugely popular. In 2013, the EU shipped 1,790,448 tonnes to Russia; a higher volume than in 2012. The second most important product are tomatoes, of which 210,838 tonnes were exported, followed by pears (192,915 tonnes) and peaches and nectarines (166,991 tonnes). While tomato and apple exports increased, pear, peach and nectarine shipments dropped compared to 2012.
In terms of revenue, the same products stand on top. Apples generated nearly $ 482 million dollars for Europe, and tomatoes yielded 292 million. For pears and peaches and nectarines, revenue stood at 224 and 245 million respectively. Only tomatoes generated more money for the EU more than a year earlier.