US imports of Russian soft drinks climb to record high in May

The United States sharply increased its imports of Russian soft drinks in May, with purchases reaching a record high despite broader trade restrictions between the two countries.

According to data from the US Census Bureau cited by Russia's RIA Novosti, US imports of sweet carbonated beverages from Russia totalled $491,500 in May, up 3.4 times from $144,900 in April. The value marked the highest monthly level since records began in 2003.

The increase came as imports of Russian mineral water also rose. US purchases climbed to $171,900 in May from $110,300 a month earlier, the data showed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev