Russia increases imports of fruit and berries 8.3% to almost 5 mln tonnes - watchdog

MOSCOW. Nov 2 (Interfax) - Russia imported almost 5 million tonnes of fruit and berries as of November 1, 2024, up 8.3% year-on-year from 4.6 million tonnes, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) said, citing data from the Argus-Fito section of the Federal State Information System for Veterinary Medicine.

Imports of citrus fruit rose 16.8% from 1.1 million tonnes to 1.3 million tonnes, apples and pears 5.7% from 502,800 tonnes to 531,400 tonnes and stone fruits (peaches, plums, cherries) 1.9% from 707,400 tonnes to almost 721,000 tonnes.

Imports of berries and other fruits rose 29.3% from 336,600 tonnes to 435,300 tonnes.

Russian imports of bananas are stable, Rosselkhoznadzor said. Around 1.4 million tonnes of bananas are imported each year. A total of 1.16 million tonnes were imported in 10M, which is equal to the amount imported in the same period last year.