Belgian farmers fear Russian sanctions

The economic sanctions that the European Union wants to impose on Russia threaten to have dramatic consequences for Belgian fruit producers, claim representatives from the sector in De Tijd. They warn that Russia could respond to European sanctions with sanctions of their own.

The European Union reached outline agreement on Friday to impose the first economic sanctions on Russia over its behaviour in Ukraine. The Belgian fruit sector would be particularly vulnerable to any potential retaliation, as one quarter of the Belgian fruit production currently goes to Russia, an annual turnover of about €160 million. Around 60% to 70% of Limburg’s crop is exported to Russia, especially pears, apples and strawberries.

If fruit exports from Belgium to Russia are limited, the damage to the Belgian growers would be immeasurable, according to the sector.