Russia has reportedly postponed its restrictions on imports of Argentinean topfruit, citrus and table grapes for a 60-day period, according to an announcement in the Argentinean press by the country’s Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana.
Speaking from Moscow, Mr Taiana said negotiations between the Argentinean and Russian authorities had been both “satisfactory” and “decisive” in securing the 60-day reprieve, during which Argentina hopes to reach a new technical-phytosanitary agreement.
“The interruption of Argentina’s fruit export trade due to Russia’s new import regulations has been avoided,” confirmed sources close to the Minister.
According to industry experts, Russia’s demands for lower levels of pesticide residues on fruit imports from Argentina would have been impossible even for EU suppliers to comply with.
The restrictions, which were due to come into force today (Wednesday 1 October), would seriously affect Argentinean fruit exports to Russia, which is a key market for the South American country’s lemons and pears in particular.
