Russian-made products end up on the European market, Latvia included, likely thanks to resellers from third countries, explains President of Latvian Traders Association (LTA) Henriks Danusēvičs.
«If we look at statistical data, the volume of trade in EU member states increased, including with Russia, had increase last year despite sanctions. This means goods continue moving from one market to another,» said Danusēvičs, adding that trade is being done in third countries through wholesale traders.
He stressed that Russian-made goods are found on shelves of Latvian stores does not mean they were procured from Russian companies directly.
As for traders’ willingness to procure Russian products, LTA president said those are mostly low-cost goods in demand. The same applies to European goods in Russia.
When asked in which trade sectors Russian-made products are the most common, Danusēvičs said LTA does not have statistical data about this.
LTA was founded in 1912. Its operations were restored in 1994. Currently it unites more than 600 businesses engaged in trade, catering and services.