Belarus sold almost $4.8bn of food to Russia in 2021

Russia remains Belarus’ key buyer of food and agricultural raw materials: last year alone, it imported almost $4.8bn of such products – as informed by Belarus’ Agriculture and Food Minister, Igor Brylo

Based on the 2021 results, China was the second major buyer: almost 48 percent more Belarusian food and agricultural raw materials were sold there. Kazakhstan occupied the third position, with an increase of 11.5 percent. Exports to the CIS countries, including Russia, rose by 13 percent to make $5.5bn. In turn, sales outside the CIS increased by over 40 percent. Among the new markets last year were Cambodia, Kuwait, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Zambia, Congo, Antigua, Andorra, Iceland, San Marino, and Slovenia.

A total of $6.7bn of agricultural products were exported in 2021. Initially, it was planned that foreign sales would reach $7bn by 2025 but – given a significant progress registered last year – this goal is soon to be met. Accordingly, as Mr. Brylo stated, the figure of $7bn is set to be achieved already in 2022.   

To expand exports, Belarusian producers actively participate in international food exhibitions. One of them will soon be hosted by Dubai, and domestically produced goods will be widely presented there.

Belarusian food is highly valued around the world – primarily, for its excellent quality. To strengthen competitiveness, work along this avenue will continue – with a special emphasis placed on raw materials and finished products.