Russia may buy Turkish or Moroccan products replacing China’s food

MOSCOW: Russia will import  vegetable, seafood and fruits from Turkey or Morocco, replacing imports from China after the coronavirus outbreak, officially announced on Wednesday (February 5).

According to the sources of Anadolu Agency, Dmitry Vostrikov, head of Russia’s Food Products Manufacturers and Suppliers Association, said, “Vegetables, fruits and seafood make up the basis of Chinese food exports to Russia […] At the moment, the falling volumes [of food products] can easily be replaced by supplies from other countries, such as Morocco and Turkey.”

Many countries have suspended their imports from China following the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus that has so far claimed 491 lives.

According to Vostrikov, a total of 453,000 tons of vegetables worth $370 million were imported from China in the first 11 months of 2019. “Israel ranks second in this area with 139,000 tons worth $135 million of import. Turkey is in third place with 136,000 tons worth $148 million,” he noted.

The novel coronavirus, so named because under the microscope it resembles a crown, or corona in Latin, has affected over 20,000 people.

The virus, which originated in Wuhan, is said to have been transmitted to humans from animals, particularly bats.

Pakistan’s support to China in fight against coronavirus commendable

The coronavirus has raised alarms worldwide, with cases reported across Asia, Europe, the U.S., and Canada.

Beyond China, the virus has spread to over 20 countries, including Belgium, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the U.S., Singapore, France, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, India, Nepal, Russia and Canada.

Earlier on February 2, Apple on Saturday said it would shut all of its official stores and corporate offices in mainland China until Feb 9 as fears over the coronavirus outbreak mounted.

Apple announces to shut its official stores amid coronavirus death toll jumped more than doubled to over 250 from a week ago.

“Out of an abundance of caution and based on the latest advice from leading health experts, we’re closing all our corporate offices, stores, and contact centers in mainland China through February 9,” Apple said in a statement.