What would be the economic and commercial repercussions of a Russian military operation on Ukraine? If the crisis in Ukraine is already having diplomatic consequences, it could have some on French exports to Russia, in particular wine and food products. Since 2014, many European agricultural products have been embargoed in Russia, in response to the sanctions imposed by the European Union after the annexation of Crimea.
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Some products are still sold like wine, and are present on the Prodexpo stands, the major agri-food trade fair in Russia, but for how long? This is the question posed by Jean François Chabod, export director of the Jean Loron house, a Burgundy producer-trader present on the Russian market for 15 years: “We remain worried because the ax is still present, on the other hand, it has been there for years. If we come to Russia, we know that we will have more difficulties and constraints than if we export to Belgium, we integrate this share of risk.”
Exporting to Russia is already complicated at the base, but the geopolitical situation does not help, explains Antoine Chauvel, the general manager of La Tourangelle, a manufacturer of walnut oil.
“We make a lot of effort every day to develop our business in Russia and it would be a real waste for us if it stopped overnight.”
Antoine Chauvel, general manager of La Tourangelleat franceinfo
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Despite everything, some want to remain optimistic, like Ekaterina Wiggers, a Franco-Russian who advises French producers. “As for alcohol and wines, the taxes that importers pay are quite important for the Stateshe believes. I don’t think it’s interesting for them to embargo sales. Afterwards, with the Russians, you never know!
France is currently the second largest wine importer in Russia, behind Italy.