Development of the Russian agroindustrial exports in the context of membership in the Eurasian Economic Union

In: Moscow University Economics Bulletin, Heft 3, S. 84-106

Abstract

The aim of the study is to propose and substantiate recommendations for development of the export potential of the Russian agro-industrial complex (AIC) in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The paper assesses the benefits of the Russian agro-industrial complex within the EAEU and measures to extract them for exporters. It develops recommended measures of state support that promote development of the Russian agro-industrial complex under EAEU membership conditions. The author considers state regulation measures for the following sectors of the Russian agro-industrial complex: agriculture, food industry, agricultural machinery, and fertilizer production. The author makes the following conclusions in the work. Russia exports to the EAEU products that are less in demand on other external markets. Overall, Russia's trade relations with the EAEU countries are as follows: 1) companies in the agrochemical and food industries are in a winning position; 2) a relatively positive effect is observed in the agricultural machine building industry; 3) a relatively negative impact is observed in the dairy industry and production of meat products (due to competitive pressure from Belarusian producers). To improve the competitiveness of Russian products, as well as to identify their niche in the EAEU market, enterprises should be assisted in finding new markets and developing cooperation. The diversification of export-oriented production, which has already established itself in the external market, can be used to consolidate markets on the territory of the EAEU to sell goods. Here, the capacities created to assist subjects of industrial-innovation activity and production of innovative goods (for example, in agricultural robotics) should be attracted.