The farmers responded to the earlier declaration of Russian President Vladimir Putin that the country will limit imports of agricultural products and food from countries that imposed sanctions. Russia has not specified the products or countries that will be impacted. It has already imposed ban on imports of fruits and vegetables from Poland and beef from Romania.
Slovakia exports mostly processed meat, milk products, wine, sweets, and spirits to Russia. According to Stanislav Nemec, spokesman for the Slovak Agricultural and Food Chamber (SPPK), the ban will not have any significant impact on Slovak food market.
“It might affect only some firms whose share of exports to Russia is higher,” Nemec said, as quoted by Sme.sk.
Jarmila Halgašová from the Food Chamber of Slovakia (PKS) however assumes that the ban on imports will impact mostly smaller countries of the European Union.
“Food that was exported to Russia will accumulate; it will be difficult to find a new market,” she said, as quoted by Sme.sk.
Though the prices of some goods will decrease, the ban could harm retailers.
Halgašová also says that Russia will find food suppliers in other markets. According to RIA Novosti newswire, the country plans to increase its imports of fruits and vegetables from Turkey.
It would be better to pass measures more carefully, after analysing the impacts on the European market, Halgašová added, as reported by Sme.sk.
Except for limitations on food exports, Russian media also speculate that the country will partially close the airspace above Siberia through which many European airlines use for shorter travel to Asia.
Source: Sme.sk
Compiled by Radka Minarechová from press reports
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