Made in the USSR: 10 nõukogude kaupa, mis olid välismaal väga nõutud

From 1970 to 1980, the Soviet Union was the leader in the production of oil, steel, pig iron, bricks, phosphate fertilizers, and others. At the same time, each year there was a significant increase. In 1950 exports amounted to 1 billion 615 million rubles. And in 1986 it already reached 68 billion 347 million rubles.

At one time, the USSR was in second place in the world in terms of GDP. Only the United States was ahead of it.

State revenues from exports amounted to 1/5 of the annual budget. Deficit goods were exported in huge quantities. According to experts, in 1990 the state exported up to one third of the goods produced: from fabric to soap.

Soviet scales

To this day, the older generation recalls some things with warmth. Why? The answer is simple – quality. We bring to your attention our list of the most popular Soviet products that were in demand abroad.

1. cars

Surprisingly, domestic transportation was once popular in the West. Of course, our car industry was inferior to the American, German and Japanese, but still… In 1989, the total volume of machinery, equipment and vehicles brought 11.30 billion rubles to the USSR treasury.

In Finland there were 10 thousand Soviet-made cars. What were they? “VAZs” and “Urals.” MAZ, ZIL, KrAZ, GAZ, AZLK were also popular in capitalist countries. The KAMAZ truck was also in use.

“Moskvich-412” Izhevsk automobile plant

“KrAZ”, in addition to military needs, had a demand in the national economy. This dump truck was used for the construction of a tunnel under the English Channel in Great Britain.

Of passenger cars, the small class SUV “Niva” was most often bought. It was produced in 1977. “Moskvich-412” was purchased by the French and the British. In Belgium, this model was assembled under license.

Tractors, buses, helicopters and tanks were exported. They also sent merchant ships to Europe. We’re talking about boats and dry cargo ships.

2. Fish and caviar

The USSR was in second place in the world in fish catch: sturgeon, sterlet, pelyad and salmon. Sprats from the Baltics were also popular. Red and black caviar sold well.

After the boycott of the Moscow Olympics, demand dropped sharply. In 1980, only 22,054 tons of fish and 245 kilograms of black caviar were imported to the United States. The GDR imported 73 thousand cans of salmon and 60 thousand cans of crab.

At one time even the actor Charlie Chaplin received black caviar from the USSR instead of his royalties!

3. watches

After the war, the production of watches was established. They immediately began to export them. The number of copies reached 20 million. The quality was not inferior to the Swiss, but the price was much cheaper.

The Soviet brand – watch “Victory”, decorated with 15 ruby stones– conquered many with its sophisticated design. Common models were also considered “Komandirskie”, “Polet” and “Slava”. Only abroad they came with other names. They were produced at 13 watch factories at once.

Soviet gold watches

“Flight” was awarded the gold prize for quality in Madrid. In 10 years, about 220 million watches were delivered to the capitalist countries. Already at the end of the 1980s, the production of Soviet watches equaled the volume of Swiss watches. They were exported to 70 countries around the world.

4. Camera

The first cameras began to be produced in the 20s of the last century. In the post-war period, the range expanded. The Rostec plant in Krasnogorsk began to produce high-quality “SLRs”. Zenith” was manufactured here. Series “E” was not equal all over the world. They had a wide distribution among foreign photographers of that time. There is a famous shot where young Michael Jackson is captured with “Zenit”. There was also demand for the FED.

Zenit E-series camera

The American magazine Popular Photography even wrote: “In the photographic field, Soviet designers showed no less courage and originality than in the field of intercontinental ballistic missiles”.

The devices were supplied to 80 countries of the world. If in 1960 only 76 thousand copies were produced, then 10 years later they began to produce 621 thousand per year. In 1980 – almost four million. 1/4 of the total volume was exported. However, because of the quantity, the quality decreased. It concerned the assembly. In addition, the model range was very outdated. Soon production stopped altogether.

Zenit camera

5. Radio receiver

Most of them were produced at the Riga radio plant. Also distinguished was the “Micro”, which was made in Zelenograd. It had dimensions of 43×30×20 mm. Its advantage was the width of frequencies. It was exhibited at a thematic exhibition in the USA.

Between 1970 and 1980, exports increased 100 times. Initially, 12.8 thousand pieces were sent. Afterward, the number grew to 1.2 million pieces.

VEF-202, produced by the Riga Electrotechnical Plant VEF

6. Baikal drink

The Soviet Union once exported an analog of American drinks Coca-cola and Pepsi! It was called “Baikal.” Of course, the drink is still on sale today. The Americans liked the soda so much that they even wanted to buy out the rights to the Soviet brand. However, this did not happen. They preferred to keep the recipe a secret. Tarhun and Borjomi from Georgia were also exported.

“Red October”

7. Chocolate

Only Soviet chocolate could compete with Swiss chocolate. Why? The thing is the quality. After all, it met all the requirements of GOST. The necessary proportions of cocoa and cocoa butter made it dense and moderately bitter.

It was the naturalness of the Soviet product that lured Europeans. The peculiarity of the chocolate of that time was its “graininess”, large size of the bar and price. European chocolate was more expensive and in smaller packaging.

Foreign diplomats as a gift always took away with them chocolate and candies, which were appreciated for their natural filling. Favorite brands: “Red October”, “Babaevskaya” factory and “Roth-Front”. Others were also successful: “Gvardeysky”, “Spartak” and “Zolotoy Yarlyk”.

Mesi

8. Honey

Its main consumers were the inhabitants of the neighboring countries and Eastern Europe. In the socialist state it was considered an expensive treat, but abroad it was practically priceless. They were ready to give their last money for it. In 1980, the USSR exported 209 tons to the GDR and 801 tons to Hungary.

9. Soap

Many people may be surprised by this fact, but it was so! Among the well-to-do people of the West, toilet soap from the USSR was in demand. It was loved for its naturalness and unobtrusive flavor. It was also unrivaled in quality and price. In 1980, this product was sold for more than two million rubles. Soap in the USSR was made of lye with the addition of vegetable or animal fats. We are talking about bovine, pig and horse fat. Types of toilet soap: “Neutral”, “Extra”, “Children’s” and “Ordinary”.

Lace

10. Cotton

Cotton fabrics with “grandmother’s” pattern were surprisingly in demand not only among Soviet women, but also among European fashionistas – in England and France. Why? The fabric was natural. It was considered prestigious.

Every year the Soviet Union exported about 160 million meters of cotton fabric. Most went to Denmark, West Berlin, Holland, Italy and Norway.