In Belarus, apple import licensing has been introduced for six months. The Council of Ministers' decree is intended to protect the domestic market and support local growers, especially during the off‑season, when domestic orchards can fully meet demand.

The relevance of the measure is explained by the growth of apple orchard areas. Over the past five years, about 1,500 hectares have been planted, and another 512 hectares will be laid down in 2026. Thanks to modern intensive orchards with drip irrigation and winter varieties, Belarus can supply itself with apples year‑round.

Meanwhile, experts note the high quality of Belarusian apples, the variety of cultivars, good taste, and storage longevity, which is especially important for off‑season supplies. Imports of apples from countries outside the EAEU are possible on a one‑time licence basis, issued by the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART) in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Apple is a traditional fruit for our climate, and the country as a whole is self‑sufficient in basic foodstuffs, so I consider this innovation logical and correct. When domestic orchards provide a stable volume and quality, it makes sense to first saturate the domestic market with local produce, and then bring in imports selectively — only where our own varieties or volumes are truly lacking.

This approach is not about "closing the market", but about supporting Belarusian growers and further investing in our own, native production, which will ultimately make shelf choice more predictable and seasonally balanced.