DISINFO: 'Cherry' on sanctions: EU's fruit exports lose millions due to Russian countersanctions
SUMMARY
Russian counter-sanctions affected EU fruit exports. Specialists note that the embargo, which Moscow was forced to impose in response to Western restrictions, led to losses of $170 million from sales of peaches and nectarines, and another $41 million from cherries. According to Russian experts, the European economy was significantly affected by the imposition of sanctions, while Russia received a boost to develop its own agricultural production.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative about Western sanctions against Russia claiming that they produce only positive effects on Russia (similar cases here, here and here). The report published by USDA GAIN does mention that the EU stone fruit exports declined as a result of the 2014 Russian embargo. However, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service follows by stating that the loss of the Russian market has been "offset with an increase in exports to the other Member States and to third countries such as Switzerland and Brazil." Same for the EU cherries, whose main destinations are now Belarus, Switzerland and Serbia. Overall, the European Commission set up emergency measures to help European farmers address market pressure. As a result, EU exports of agri-food products have continuously increased since the introduction of the ban, reaching a record €138 billion in 2017, 15% higher than in 2013. On top of that, promotion funds have been increased in order to boost exports to alternative markets. Agricultural products were never the EU's main exports to Russia. Further debunking by The Insider can be found here. Read similar case claiming that the Russian economy is developing better than the EU due to sanctions.