Rusia: Potato imports surge as Russian production declines
According to the Agribusiness Analytical Center and China’s General Administration of Customs, potato imports from China to Russia increased fivefold in 2024, reaching 46,700 tons, 37,400 tons more than in 2023.
Lower prices for Chinese potatoes and a decline in Russian production are the main reasons for this surge. According to Rosstat, Russia’s total potato harvest in 2024 dropped by 14.5% to 7.3 million tons due to unfavorable weather conditions, a 9.7% reduction in planting areas, and lower yields.
The average price of Chinese potatoes in 2024 was 33,397 RUB/ton, while Russian potato prices surged by 89.3% in Siberia and 28.5% in the Far East.
To stabilize the market, the Ministry of Agriculture has introduced tariff exemptions on potato imports (up to 150 thousand tons), along with carrots, and apples.
According to AB-Center, imports are expected to continue rising in the first half of 2025.
Fuente: agrotrend.ru
