Russia's Agricultural Sector, Import Substitute

The sanctions regime actually helps to stimulate nomic activity in the agricultural sector. It also begins the process of expands the process of import substitution. China is now russia's largest trading partner and the russian lead urasian economic union is an important partner for the es built road initiative. The sale of new cars has dropped by 78%. Food prices did go up after a the initial sanctions. Prices on other reo retail goods are still highand like i said, as have dropped on some big ticket items, particularly cars. But energy consumption seems to be holding as well as consumers spending on bars, restaurants and cafes. Most retail and service sectors are operating fairly normally.