Quote Originally Posted by davidbfpo View Post
Firn,

As a watcher of the Russian economy, what do their imports look like?

In particular whether grain is still imported in bulk. I have a vague recollection it is now that grain is shipped from Canada & USA to Russia via various ports. Awhile whilst in Montana, USA it was quite clear trade was good and the grain trains rumbled past every day towards Seattle / NW Pacific ports.
According to the German FAZ, Russia imported food for 43 billion USD in 2013, of these 16 billion USD were paid for EU products.

Around 30-50% of fish, beef and vegetables are imported, in addtion diary products. The domestic agricultural industry is still not able to provide sufficient amounts, hence, redcution of imports will very likely lead to higher inflation, which is already around 8%.

However, according to various sources Russia was a net-exporter of grain 2013, the harvest in 2014 seems to be very good, therefore, no change expected.