Russia has turned to the UAE and Turkey for butter imports in an effort to stabilize rising prices and secure domestic supply amid soaring costs. As prices jump by 25.7%, the country seeks alternatives due to a significant reduction in imports from Latin America, influenced by sanctions and logistical challenges. The UAE and Turkey have supplied over 90 metric tons, with Belarus increasing exports by 9% this year.
In response to soaring butter prices, Russia has begun importing butter from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey. The move comes after a significant rise in butter costs, which have alarmed consumers and prompted an increase in thefts at some supermarkets. According to Russia’s agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, deliveries of butter from the UAE commenced on October 18, marking the first-ever such shipments. The country has already received 90 metric tons of butter from the UAE. In addition, Russia started importing butter from Turkey in October as well.
The price of butter in Russia has surged by 25.7% since December 2023, significantly outpacing the country’s overall inflation rate of 8.6%. This sharp increase has had a direct impact on consumers, leading to increased demand for affordable butter and subsequently a rise in criminal activity related to its theft.
Rosselkhoznadzor has emphasized that the importation of butter from the UAE and Turkey is aimed at stabilizing prices and ensuring that butter remains available for the domestic market. In comparison, imports of butter from Latin America have significantly declined, from 25,000 tons in 2014 to just 2,800 tons this year. The agency pointed out that factors such as Western sanctions, transport and logistics issues, and a lack of agreements between businesses are contributing to this reduction.
Belarus, traditionally Russia’s largest butter supplier, has seen a 9% increase in exports to Russia this year, reaching 110,000 tons. Despite these efforts to diversify butter imports, Russia is still facing challenges in securing a stable supply of this essential food product.