Import of sanctioned products to Russia drops by half

In the first six months of 2015, the import of banned products has fallen by nearly half to $6 billion, according to Friday's report from Russia's Ministry of Economic Development.

According to the report, imports most affected were dairy products (particularly cheese and butter), apples, pears, frozen meat, and fresh and frozen fish.

Overall imports from the EU have fallen by 45 percent, reports the ministry.
Russia introduced the embargo on food imports in August 2014 as a reciprocal measure for Western sanctions.

READ MORE: Russia extends food embargo to 5 countries

The ban first applied to meat, poultry and fish, cheese, milk, fruit and vegetables from the United States, the EU, Australia, Canada, Norway, Japan and a number of other countries.

In June this year Russia extended its food embargo against a number of European countries in response to EU's extension of sanctions against Moscow.

READ MORE: Russia begins mass destruction of illegally imported food

In August five more countries including Ukraine were added to the sanctions list and Russia started destroying illegal food imports.