annually exported potatoes to Russia by Belarus

annually exported potatoes to Russia by Belarus

Decreased Imports of Belarusian Potatoes Impact Russian Market

Potato imports from Belarus to Russia have seen a significant drop, TASS reported, citing data from Rosselkhoznadzor. In contrast to the same period last year, Russia purchased only half the amount of fresh table potatoes from Belarus, with 32,000 tons imported by May 25, 2025. This marks a stark decrease from the 63,900 tons imported during the same period in 2024.

Last year, Russia imported a total of 201,200 tons of potatoes from Belarus, which is 1.6 times higher than 2023 figures. Belarus has emerged as the largest supplier of potatoes in Russia, followed by Egypt and China.

However, Belarusian consumers have noticed a mysterious disappearance of quality potatoes from stores this year. While authorities claim that an ample amount of the staple food has been cultivated and stored in stabilization funds, investigations by local journalists have revealed otherwise.

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A journalist from Nasha Shtorya visited stores in Minsk and found disappointing results. The lack of quality potatoes in stores raises questions about the government's claims of adequate production and storage.

In response to a potato shortage within the Republic, the government recently lifted the ban on imports and sales of certain vegetables and fruits grown in "unfriendly" countries within its territory. This decree applies to potatoes, along with onions, fresh white cabbage, and apples.

[Relevant Background]The reasons behind this sudden shortage of quality potatoes can be attributed to several factors:

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1. Strict price controls by the Belarusian government have failed to keep pace with rising production costs such as seeds, fuel, fertilizers, and labor wages.
2. High export demand from countries like Russia, where potato prices are nearly twice as high, has left Belarusian markets with limited domestic supply and poor quality potatoes.
3. Unfavorable growing conditions, including unseasonal frosts and droughts, led to a decline in potato production in both Belarus and Russia in 2024.
4. Government policies and economic incentives have encouraged farmers to prioritize exports over domestic supply, further exacerbating the shortage.

Despite efforts to boost production and meet both domestic and Russian demands, the current situation remains challenging due to these factors.

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The drop in potato imports from Belarus to Russia, coupled with the scarcity of quality potatoes in Belarusian stores, might lead to financing issues for the potato industry, as both countries depend on each other for trade. The government's decision to lift the ban on imports and sales of certain produce from "unfriendly" countries, which includes potatoes, could potentially provide a solution to the current potato shortage. However, the reasons behind the shortage, such as strict price controls, high export demand, unfavorable growing conditions, and government policies prioritizing exports over domestic supply, need to be addressed urgently.

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