Moscow to partially allow Turkish tomatoes in late 2017 or early 2018: Russian official

MOSCOW

Russia is likely to partially allow Turkish tomato imports at the end of this year or at the beginning of 2018, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich stated on Oct. 4, as reported by Reuters.

These imports would not exceed 50,000 tons, Dvorkovich told reporters on the sidelines of an energy conference.

Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci had claimed last week that Russia was expected to lift its ban on imports of Turkish tomatoes “in a few days,” after talks in Ankara between the two countries’ ministers and presidents.

“The limitation on tomatoes is being removed. We have had confirmation from the Russian head of state but we will wait until we make the first shipment to be sure,” Zeybekci told reporters late on Sept. 28.

Earlier in September, Russia had said Moscow may resume tomatoes imports from Turkey in small parcels during the winter season, when Russian producers are unable to fully cover domestic needs.

Russia banned Turkish tomato imports as part of its economic sanctions after Turkey shot down a Russian jet near the Syrian border in 2015.