According to EastFruit analysts, Belarus has recently imposed an export ban on fresh apples, onions, and white cabbage, following Kazakhstan's earlier restriction on apple imports from the EU intended for Russia. This move by Belarus eliminates the last re-export route for EU apples, particularly from Poland, to Russia. The timing exacerbates Russia's inflation struggles, with the country's central bank efforts failing to curb rising fruit and vegetable prices.
Russia's own apple production faced setbacks in 2024 due to spring frosts, leading to record prices for these fruits domestically. The export bans from Belarus and Kazakhstan further limit Russia's access to affordable apple imports, pushing consumers towards higher-priced options from Iran, China, and Turkey. However, these countries have historically favored markets in the Middle East and India, offering higher returns.
The export restrictions also impact Poland, a significant apple exporter to Russia. Despite a reduced harvest from frost damage, Polish farmers have redirected apples for processing, mitigating some economic effects of losing the Russian market.
Source: EAST FRUIT