Russian food, agriculture imports up 4.4% in Jan-Sept, exports drop 10.5%
MOSCOW. Nov 28 (Interfax) - Russian imports of food and agricultural commodities grew 4.4% to $29.853 billion in the first nine months of 2013, from $28.602 billion in the same period of 2012, the Economic Development Ministry reported, citing the Federal Customs Service.
These products grew 0.4 percentage points to 12.9% of total imports.
Russia, by volume, imported 22.2% more condensed milk and cream year-on-year in the nine months, 15% more butter and other fats, 4.9% more citrus fruit, 18.6% more coffee and 11% more sugar.
However, the country imported 12.4% less meat, 3.1% less fish, 3.5% less poultry, 31.2% less prepared or canned meat products, and 10.5% less raw sugar.
Average contract prices rose for some products, including 36% for condensed milk and cream, 17.6% for fish, 16.8% for tea, 8% for citrus fruit and 17.2% for butter.
Russian exports of food and agricultural commodities slumped 10.5% year-on-year to $10.938 billion in the nine months.
