Russia boosted its vegetable imports from China in 2024 to $340.3 million, the highest level since 2019, according to data from Chinese customs cited by RIA Novosti. Onions were the top-imported item, accounting for 21% of the total value.
Tomatoes ranked second, making up 18% of the total. Another 16% included various vegetables such as eggplants, asparagus, pumpkins, and others, with mushrooms also accounted for in the statistics.
Notably, potato imports surged fourfold to $17.2 million. Frozen vegetable imports also rose significantly, increasing by 52% to $17.7 million.
Although official forecasts for upcoming Chinese vegetable exports to Russia are not yet available, broader import data suggests growth in overall vegetable imports. According to Rosselkhoznadzor's "Argus-Phyto" system, Russia's total vegetable imports rose by 9.9% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching 1.717 million tons.
Key trends in vegetable imports include a 27.2% increase in leafy greens to 140,100 tons, primarily driven by Iranian suppliers. Cabbage imports also grew by 26.5% to 243,900 tons, with Uzbekistan leading as the top exporter at 91,900 tons.
Source: rosng.ru