Boycott on dairy from Belarus on hold

The delegations from Belarus entered into discussions with Russia again on March 5, in order to prevent the ban on dairy imports. The Russians previously announced that they would discontinue the products (including milk powder, cream powder and condensed milk). March 6 to keep out. However, that date was canceled and is now March 15. It is unknown why the date was moved.

Bilateral trade agreement
Several representatives of the Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture and Food informed BelTA that a solution is being sought regarding the declared ban on dairy products. Experts in Belarus indicate that these types of problems can be solved much faster. This is because Russia and Belarus have a bilateral trade agreement. 

In the meantime, the Russians maintain that the possible ban is a direct result of quality problems. They indicate that they sent at least 2016 letters during 70 with warnings about quality. 

Milk price under pressure
Coincidence or not, but the threat coincides with the pressure on the Russian milk price. This fell by almost 2% over the first 2018 months of 15. This results in a milk price of €34 per 100 kilos (at 4% fat and 3,4% protein). In Belarus the price is €28 per 100 kilos. There, the milk price increased slightly towards the end of 2017, but a further decline was seen in the second month of 2018.

Russian dairy farmers produced approximately 2011% more milk in 1,2, bringing the supply to 31,1 million tons. When it comes to the supply of milk powder, the Russians rely heavily on Belarus.

Not the first time
On the other hand, this is not the first time that Russia has tried to block the flow of dairy from Belarus. Also in 2016, the Russians suspected Belarus of importing dairy from the European Union.