Russia extends ban on western foods until 2017

Russia has extended ban on foods imported from the West until the end of next year.

According to the government orders, the ban will continue to be imposed on certain food and agricultural products, such as dairy and meat, from countries that imposed sanctions on Russia in 2014 over the Ukraine crisis.

Among the countries from where food imports will be banned include EU member states, the US and Canada.

After being extended last year, the government intends to lengthen the ban until next year.

EU member countries agreed to push the sanctions on Russia to next January, as there was no significant progress on the peace process to curtail fighting in East Ukraine.

The sanctions imposed by the EU and Moscow’s retaliatory ban has severely affected the Russian economy, while local producers in Russia are benefitting from the move.

Russia stated that this decree is aimed at protecting the country’s national interests; however, it also added that the government can change the terms of the ban when required.