According to the Russian veterinary inspection service Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia is again threatening to stop dairy imports from New Zealand. However, it is still unclear what caused the threat.
It is not the first time that dairy exports from New Zealand have been pressured by Russia. In 2013, Russia refused 61 of the 81 companies that exported dairy to Russia. In several dairy products from New Zealand at the time, found a bacteria† Even after Fonterra had purified all products, the Russian government stood by his choice.
Ultimately, Russia decided in 2015 to partially lift the ban on dairy products from New Zealand. The Russian government chose to 29 companies to be exported back to Russia. However, New Zealand butter is still refused in Russia.
Initially, the import freeze appeared to have a major effect on New Zealand's dairy exports. In 2012 (before the shutdown), dairy exports to Russia were 86 million. In 2015, the consequences of Russia's sanction were clearly visible. Dairy exports fell to 31 million that year. In 2016, however, this rose to surprising heights. New Zealand then managed to earn 104 million from dairy exports.
In early February, veterinary institute Rosselkhoznadzor said that it also beef from New Zealand would refuse. This was in response to the discovery of the Listeria bacteria and the banned substance ractopamine in meat from New Zealand. In October 2016 there was also a warning from Russia for the discovery of Listeria in imports from New Zealand. However, this did not lead to a stop on imports from New Zealand, as further investigation showed that these were minimal quantities.
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