Belarus in 2025: Food Security Under Threat Due to Dependence on Russian Imports

Food Security in Belarus in 2025

According to ХВИЛЯ: In 2025, food security in Belarus is under threat due to reduced local pork production and increased imports from Russia. According to the latest research, the Belarusian pork market has shrunk by 12%, which is a result of a decrease in the pig population in the country by 121,000 heads. These changes have raised concerns among experts and the population, as a decrease in domestic production could lead to dependence on imported products.

At the same time, pork supplies from Russia have increased by 26%, exceeding 324,000 tons. This indicates that Belarus is increasingly relying on Russian supplies to meet its internal consumption. Moreover, Belarus imports 80% of all Russian lard exports, which amounts to over 10,000 tons worth about 15 million US dollars. Such data highlights the growing dependence of the Belarusian economy on Russian products.

Increase in Imports and Its Consequences

In addition to pork, there is also an increase in the supply of Russian milk and cream, which has grown by 23%. This once again confirms the trend towards increased import supplies in key sectors for food security. Amid declining local production and rising imports, one-third of surveyed Belarusians report a deterioration in their own well-being, which may indicate the negative impact of such changes on the population's lives.

Thus, food security in Belarus in 2025 is threatened due to reduced domestic production and growing dependence on Russian imports, causing concern among the population and experts. These changes could have serious consequences for the country's economy, as increased imports may lead to price fluctuations and instability in the food market, which is critical for the population. In the context of global economic challenges, Belarus must find ways to increase its own production to mitigate the risks associated with import dependence.