The cost of the political and economic crisis that erupted between Russia and Turkey after the shooting down of a Russian plane in November is multiplying by the day. First, the effects of the economic sanctions Russia has been applying on Turkey as of Jan. 1 were reflected by Turkish export figures in January. According to figures released by the Exporters Assembly of Turkey, January exports were 14.4% lower this year than in the same month in 2014.

Russia stopped imports of Turkish fresh fruits and vegetables and terminated the work of Turkish tour operators by canceling all tours to Turkey. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, when announcing the Emergency Support Action for Tourism to prevent even worse losses in that sector, invited Russian tourists to come to Turkey.

The Union of Chambers of Agriculture of Turkey said there has been a sharp decline in exports of fresh produce as a result of the Russian sanctions and asked the Turkish government to support producers and exporters. It warned, “There has been a 38.4% decrease in our fresh produce exports following the crisis with Russia. Exports that had totaled $215.2 million in January 2015 are down to $132.7 million in January 2016.”

But another development not listed among Russian sanctions has inflicted even heavier damage on the Turkish economy. When Russia did not renew the Turkey-Russia Road Transport Accord that expired Feb. 1, all commercial road transport between the two countries and via Russia to Central Asia and other regions halted entirely. Thousands of Turkish 18-wheeler semis are now idle.