Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that the ban on western food imports had been extended by one year. Russia’s “food sanctions” target beef, pork, fish, cheese, vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy products from the United States, the European Union, Australia, Canada and Norway.
According to Russia’s agriculture minister, Alexander Tkachev, the ban may be expanded to include flowers, confectionery and canned fish:
“The extension of sanctions is a balm to our souls,” he said in televised remarks, adding the food embargo introduced last year had proved a boost for the industry.
“We are seeing more Russian-made foods on the shelves of our stores,” he said, noting Russia should win back the status of “agricultural superpower” it enjoyed before the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
“Russia has this chance, has this unique opportunity.”
The sanctions have indeed provided a unique opportunity for Russia. Moscow has used “import substitution” — relying on local industry to replace western products — as well as new trade deals, especially with its BRICS partners, to breathe new life into Russian agriculture.