MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) – Belarus' export of meat products to China surged 38 times in the first half of 2019 over the same period last year, Aleksei Bogdanov, Head of the Central Office for Foreign Economic Activities of the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry, told the media, BelTA has learned.
“At present, the Chinese market is the most appealing and promising one. We have penetrated and are expanding presence in the market, Chinese consumers already recognize Belarusian products. The dynamics in the first half of 2019 was positive: the export growth rate came at 173.1%, export revenue totaled $40.4 million. Export of meat products demonstrated the fastest growth, increasing by 38 times to $12.3 million. The main exports were poultry ($8.4 million) and beef ($4 million). Export of dairy products was also on the rise: it went up 13% up and amounted to $16.7 million. Belarus also boosted export of powdered and skimmed milk and cheeses. Export of dry whey soared by 60%,” Aleksei Bogdanov said.
Rapeseed oil export to China rose 2.5 times to $5.3 million. Flax fiber export totaled $4.3 million. China imports products of Belarusian enterprises affiliated not only with the Agriculture and Food Ministry but also with the Belarusian state food industry concern Belgospishcheprom. “Export of chocolate and related products went up 16% and hit $108,000. Belarus has also increased export of sparkling and mineral water, other products,” Aleksei Bogdanov noted.
Belarus ships goods to China mainly by sea, but aims to increase shipments by rail. Since late 2018, Belarus has sent eight container trains laden with Belarusian dairy products to China. The countries are negotiating supplying Belarusian beef and poultry to China via the Silk Road railway.
