“Possible ban from Russia big problem for EU exporters”

With Russia being a large importer of fresh produce, the current political situation between European nations and Russia could have significant ramifications for European exporters. The threat that the political climate could negatively impact their business has many European shippers hoping for a quick resolution to any political issues EU countries and Russia may have.

“If Russia bans any European produce, then it's obvious that this will be a big problem for exporters currently working with Russia,” said Eric Guasch, President of AFRAA, an organization dedicated to promoting trade between the two nations. AFRAA is already working to lift the Russian ban on European potatoes and pork, and any further restrictions on European products would further hurt the continent's shippers. “The matter is in the hands of political people, we can't do anything about it right now,” said Guasch. “Russia remains as one of the biggest importing countries in the world, so we hope all parties can find a solution in order to maintain the economic relationships we have.”

As for Israeli exporters, any action taken by Russia would only have an impact on some commodities, explained Rafi Zuri of Galil Export in Israel. “Nobody here has talked about the possibility of Russia banning exports from EU, but if that happened it would have an impact on vegetables like carrots, capsicum and cherry tomatoes. These products are going from Europe to Russia and compete with Israel.” Also Spanish kaki fruit from Spain would suffer, which will probably be a benefit for Sharon fruit from Israel in winter, as they compete on persimmon during the winter. Other commodities wouldn’t have an advantage. Part of that has to do with the competition Israeli exporters face from Turkish exporters. Because products from Turkey are cheaper, and the Russian market prioritizes low-priced produce.

But throughout most of Europe, worries are much more prevalent, and the feeling is that any ban would eventually hurt Russia as well as Europe. “If they have bad weather in Russia, they could have a problem with a ban on European produce,” said a French exporter who works in the Russian market. “If there's a bad season, there will be less food available. The poor won't have much access to fresh produce and the wealthy won't have access to high-quality fruits and vegetables.” Because of the potential impacts the current situation could unleash on those working in the fresh produce trade in both countries, everyone hopes political tensions can be resolved quickly.