Belarus imposes embargo on the import of fruit and vegetables from the EU and other countries

Belarus has decided to impose an embargo on the import of fruit and vegetables from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, North Macedonia, Albania, the United States and Canada.

 

In Belarus, with the publication of Decree No. 700, the country will impose restrictions on its imports of fruit and vegetables from the European Union, as well as the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, North Macedonia, Albania, the United States and Canada , as of January 1, 2022 and for a period of 6 months.

 

Freshfel Europe expresses its concern about this new restriction on international trade which mainly affects European fruits and vegetables and which affects around 10% of current EU fresh produce exports to third country markets. The Belarusian embargo will affect some 400,000 to 500,000 tonnes of EU fresh produce exports, including apples, pears, strawberries and tomatoes.

 

Freshfel Europe estimates that the commercial value affected by the embargo will be around 300 million euros. Several European providers are at the forefront of these new restrictions. Poland is by far the main supplier to Belarus, with more than 250,000 tonnes exported in 2020 and 350,000 tonnes in 2019. Other suppliers are Lithuania, the Netherlands, Spain, Greece and Italy, according to Philippe Binard, General Delegate of Freshfel Europe.

 

Once again, Freshfel Europe regrets that fruit and vegetables are used as a bargaining chip to resolve other disputes. Freshfel Europe calls once again on the EU authorities to protect and support the fruit and vegetable sector.

 

 

Freshfel Europe, the European Fresh Produce Association, represents the interests of the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain in Europe, currently having more than 200 members, companies and associations.

 

 

source: freshfel.org