Russia: Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual
A slowing economy, falling consumer purchase power, a food import ban, and a depreciating Russian ruble are all expected to lower demand in MY 2015 for imported apples by 6.5 percent, pears by 10 percent, and table grapes by 7 percent. In August 2014, the Russian government banned many agricultural products (including fresh fruits) from the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia and Norway in retaliation for the application of economic sanctions due to tensions in the region. The ban is currently in place until August 2016 but could be extended indefinitely by the Russian government.