Russia blocks 202 tons of Argentine fruit over pest detection

Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) has blocked the entry of 202.7 tons of Argentine pears and apples due to a quarantine pest. The shipment, originating from the Neuquén and Río Negro provinces, showed signs of brown rot caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola.

Russia is a critical market for Patagonian fruit producers. According to the North Patagonia Regional Fruit Statistical Monthly, Russia imported approximately 55,000 tons of pears and 6,500 tons of apples in 2025, ranking as the second and fourth largest importers, respectively. Such rejections pose significant financial risks for exporters, as rejected goods are often destroyed at the destination.

This is not an isolated incident for the region; in April, Chile also faced similar issues when 134 tons of plums and nectarines were rejected in Saint Petersburg due to the same fungus.