No demand for Georgian apples and aromatic herbs in Russia

Due to Russia’s armed invasion in Ukraine, Georgian farmers faced difficulties exporting seasonal fruits and aromatic herbs to Russia. After Russia invaded Ukraine last week, the rest of the civilized world responded to the aggressor with harsh sanctions that have already played their part in weakening the Russian economy. The Russian ruble fell more than 30%, making it difficult for traders to plan ahead as the economic situation is expected to worsen in the near future. In spring, Georgia usually exports aromatic herbs and apples to Russia, which is a traditional export market for Georgian agricultural products. Now, importers explain the situation by the rapid depreciation of the ruble and issues with the transfer of money from Russia. Consequently, prices for aromatic herbs have already fallen in Georgia as well. Now the wholesale price for cilantro and parsley in the western regions of Georgia is 2 GEL/kg ($0.62), and dill is even cheaper – 0.5 GEL/kg ($0.16). The harvest ...