Belarus’ exports of farm products to Russia down 2.4% in Jan-Sep to $3.1bn

<p> MINSK, Nov 13 - PrimePress. Belarus reduced exports of agricultural products and foodstuffs to Russia by 2.4% year on year in January-September 2020 to $3.1 billion. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Alexei Bogdanov, chief of the Agriculture Ministry’s Foreign Trade Department, released these figures at a press-conference on November 13. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Russia accounted for 74.5% of Belarus’ total exports of agricultural products and foodstuffs in Jan-Sep 2020, down 6.4 p.p. year on year. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Belarus seeks to keep its share of the Russian food market and increase exports to the markets of third countries, said the ministry official. “It is no secret that the Russian Federation actively invests a lot of money in the development of its own agricultural business, and we understand that sooner or later there will be very tough competition in the Union State market. And we are taking a number of measures to avoid excessive competition, while diversifying our supplies,” Bogdanov said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> He reminded that Belarus adopted a strategy to diversify its exports: about a third of products are planned to be supplied to the Eurasian Economic Union, another third - to the European Union and a third - to the markets of the other states. </p> <p>   </p> <p> In January-September 2020, Belarus supplied to the Commonwealth of Independent States (excluding Russia) agricultural products and foodstuffs worth $508.8 million (+40% year on year). </p> <p>   </p> <p> Exports to non-CIS countries increased by 44% to $570 million, including to the European Union countries - by 36% to $234 million. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Bogdanov also reported that the profitability of export sales for all product categories is positive and is as follows: butter – varies from 3.5% to 5%, skimmed milk powder - from 15% to 20%, whole milk powder - about 15%, cheese - from 10% to 20%, whole milk products - from 15% to 20%, beef - from 7% to 15%. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “Profitability depends on the region to which products are supplied, because each market has its own price. This depends on the availability of customs duties, the price of logistics, and the competitive environment in a particular market,” Bogdanov said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> As previously reported, in January-September 2020, Belarus increased its exports of agricultural products and foodstuffs by 6.1% year on year to $4.2 billion. By the end of 2020, Belarus intends to increase exports of agricultural products and foodstuffs by 6% to $5.8 billion. End </p>

2020-11-14

Primepress