Amid diplomatic tensions between Vilnius and Beijing, Chinese companies are cancelling contracts with Lithuanian businesses. Export advisers suggest expanding trade with Taiwan, but companies fear it would not be an adequate substitute for Chinese markets.
Despite the pandemic, the dairy processor Vilkyskiu Pienine has seen its exports and annual turnover increase.
“People can be without shoes, without jackets, but they must eat,” says Gintaras Bertasius, chief executive officer of Vilvi Group, the owner of Vilkyskiu Pienine.
However, the company can no longer export its products to China, with Chinese partners refusing to renew or conclude new contracts.
“China may not be able to ban our production officially. They do this in a roundabout way, by conducting checks, and our buyers do not want to have problems with imports,” says Bertasius. (LRT/Business World Magazine)