The Western media is surprised that Russia continues to import thousands of tons of potatoes and tangerines, household appliances, car parts and much more from abroad. Furthermore, the Financial Times itself is surprised that the country has come up with an interesting way to circumvent Western sanctions, not by buying, but by receiving something through barter.
In its publication, the Financial Times even delves into the history of barter trade, calling it the oldest in the world. The source also clarifies that the reluctance of foreign banks to work with Russian companies forced the Russians to reorganize business relations.
The publication also allegedly had at its disposal a 15-page manual from the Russian Ministry of Economic Development on how barter operations should be carried out, taking into account costs and structuring of contracts. For example, writes the Financial Times, Russia receives hard currency in exchange for chickpeas and lentils, or household appliances and construction materials from China in exchange for flax seeds.
But why such a trade deal is so new and surprising to Western journalists remains a mystery.
