For the first time since the introduction of food embargo in 2014, growth of foreign cheese supplies to the Russian market has been registered. Imports of cheese have primarily increased from Belarus, Serbia and Armenia, RBC says.

In Q1 of 2016, the import of cheese to Russia amounted to 49 300 tons, up by 31% against the same period last year. Accordingly, Belarus registered a 41% surge in cheese exports, those of Serbia grew by 87%, while Armenia showed a twofold hike in cheese exports to Russia.

Growth of imports of cheese is observed for the first time since August, 2014.

Russia responded to Western sanctions with an import ban on most food products from the United States, the European Union, Norway, Canada and Australia. The country introduced a full embargo on import of beef, pork, fruit and vegetable produce, poultry, fish, cheese, milk and dairy products from the abovementioned states.