Significant Increase in Butter Imports to Russia from Argentina and Uruguay

Russia has seen a significant increase in butter imports from Argentina and Uruguay in early 2025, with imports rising 560% from Argentina and doubling from Uruguay. The report also highlights a total reliance on Belarus for ice cream and cottage cheese, alongside increases in onion, garlic, and tomato imports from various countries.

Russia has reported a notable surge in butter imports from Argentina and Uruguay. The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) indicated that in the first months of 2025, imports from Argentina rose by 560%, totaling 2,000 tonnes. Similarly, Uruguayan butter imports doubled to reach 1,000 tonnes during the same period.

The report emphasized that all ice cream imported into Russia is sourced from Belarus and Kazakhstan, with 2,100 tonnes from the former and 1,400 tonnes from the latter since early 2025. Additionally, Belarus remains the sole supplier of cottage cheese to Russia, contributing 16,600 tonnes.

There has also been a significant increase in the importation of onions and garlic, which grew by 210% to a total of 77,800 tonnes in early 2025. Furthermore, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan emerged as the primary exporters of tomatoes, providing 30,000 tonnes and 28,700 tonnes respectively, culminating in total tomato imports of 124,900 tonnes this year.

In conclusion, the data provided by Rosselkhoznadzor reflects a substantial increase in various food imports to Russia in early 2025, particularly butter from Argentina and Uruguay. The exclusive sourcing of certain dairy products from Belarus illustrates a trend in the country’s import dependencies. The notable increases in onion and garlic imports, along with significant tomato supplies from Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, underscore the growing diversification of Russia’s food supply chains.

Original Source: tvbrics.com