The relatively new union includes Russia, which may have improved trading conditions as a result of the measure. 

Citrus exporters with access to Russia and several nearby countries will have improved tariff conditions for the remainder of this year, after the executive body of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) opted to implement zero customs duties on oranges, Fruitnews.ru reported. 

The union came into force at the start of last year and includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan; all net importers of oranges. 

The decision from the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) also applies to anise seeds, star anise, fennel, coriander, cumin and juniper berries, as well as fruit purees under certain conditions.

The measure is listed as temporary and will last until Dec. 31, 2017, Fruitnews.ru reported.

Combined, the EAEU countries imported 523,678 metric tons (MT) of oranges in 2015, with Russia accounting 89% of imports.

Almost half the volume came from Egypt at 257,508MT, followed by Turkey with 117,610MT and South Africa with 96,832MT.

In other citrus news relating to Russia, the country's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) discovered Mediterranean fruit flies in a shipment of Turkish oranges.

The shipment, weighing 22 metric tons (MT), was intercepted at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.

www.freshfruitportal.com