Russia to boost potato imports
Due to a poor harvest in 2024, Russia’s potato imports are expected to nearly double. The government has allowed duty-free imports of up to 150,000 tons to stabilize the market.
According to the Institute for Agricultural Market Studies (IKAR), Russia will import 470,000 tons of potatoes this season, compared to 245,000 tons last year. At the same time, exports will drop from 220,000 tons to 85,000 tons.
Poor weather and reduced planting areas contributed to the decline in potato harvest. As a result, potato prices surged by 92% in early 2024, making it the most inflated food product of the year.
Egypt remains Russia’s top potato supplier, significantly increasing shipments this season. Turkey has also entered the market with early potatoes, a new development. However, imported potatoes remain expensive, selling at around 100 RUB/kg (€1.0) while the average retail price is 61.74 RUB/kg (€0.64).
On the production side, Russia plans to expand potato planting areas, however, experts warn of challenges, including seed shortages.
Fuente: alta.ru
