Egypt Daily News – As of May 2025, Russia imported 432,200 tonnes of potatoes—an increase of more than 3.5 times compared to the same period in 2024 (124,800 tonnes), according to Rosselkhoznadzor, citing data from the Argus-Fito system.
Egypt was the top supplier, delivering 274,500 tonnes of potatoes, a significant jump from 59,300 tonnes in 2024. Other major contributors included:
- China: 65,500 tonnes (up from 2,500 tonnes)
- Georgia: 30,400 tonnes (no imports recorded in 2024)
- Pakistan: 8,200 tonnes (up from 1,900 tonnes)
- Kazakhstan: 7,000 tonnes (up from 448 tonnes)
- Armenia: 5,100 tonnes (up from 490 tonnes)
Potatoes have become the fastest-growing import category among fruits and vegetables in Russia this year, leading authorities to implement a duty-free import quota of 150,000 tonnes. The Ministry of Agriculture has proposed doubling this quota to 300,000 tonnes, with discussions ongoing at the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). The quota remains in effect until July 31, 2025.
According to Rosstat, potato prices have risen by over 50% since the start of the year—the steepest increase among all tracked fruit and vegetable categories.
In addition to potatoes, Egypt also increased onion exports to Russia. By May 11, Russia had imported 13,000 tonnes of onions from Egypt, up 1.7 times from the 7,600 tonnes delivered during the same period in 2024.
The potential for expanding bilateral agricultural trade was a key topic during recent talks between Sergey Dankvert, head of Rosselkhoznadzor, and Mostafa El-Sayyad, Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. According to an official statement, Dankvert expressed Russia’s strong interest in diversifying its imports of Egyptian fruits and vegetables, particularly those not suited to Russia’s climate.
