This year the geography of Belarusian dairy exports has been increased up to 45 countries, Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Semyon Shapiro said during online conference on 10 November.

Last year Belarusian dairy products were available in 37 countries, said Semyon Shapiro. At present Belarus exports around 60% of the total dairy products output. There are plans to export about 3.5 million tonnes of milk and dairy products this year.

According to preliminary estimates earnings from meat and dairy products export will exceed $1 billion, said the Agriculture and Food Minister. He also remarked that the industry’s foreign trade surplus is close to $600 million. It is a very good result testifying to the fact that the industry attracts foreign currency to Belarus. The surplus is supposed to be near $900 million at the end of the year.

“This year we plan to supply at least 2.8 million tonnes of milk to Russia and around 1 million tonnes to other countries,” said Semyon Shapiro. In his words, the Russian Federation has requested more pasteurized milk powder, butter and other dairy products.

The Minister remarked that the manufacturing of dairy products is becoming highly profitable. “In Belarus the prime cost of milk powder stands at $1.8 while we sell it at $3.6. We used to sell butter at $2-2.4 a while ago, now it is priced at $4. Besides, our warehouses are virtually empty,” said Semyon Shapiro to stress economic profits from export sales.

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