According to USDA FAS, Poultry imports to Russia were 1.287 million metric tons (MT) in 2007 with a value of $1.151 billion. The poultry TRQ for 2008 is set at 1.211 million MT, of which the US receives 901,400 MT. From January through June 2008 the US share of total broiler imports was 73%, Brazil 12%, and Germany 6%. US poultry meat exports to Russia increased 29% from January to June 2008 from 2007 levels even while the value of US poultry exports rose 46%. September 15, 2008 Russia’s Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Service (VPSS) initiated its new electronic prenotification system for meat products exported to the Russia from the US, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Many changes have been made to USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) requirements and the eligible plant list for US meat exports bound for Russia over the past few months. Recently, Russia’s VPSS has imposed a temporary ban on meat imports to Russia from about a dozen companies from Belgium, Brazil, Denmark and the US, due to claims of Listeriosis disease germs, intestinal infection germs, tetracycline antibiotics, and anti-parasitic medicines.

Russia’s domestic poultry meat production is expected to rise 12.9% in 2008 and 2009 even though profitability has been declining due to rising input costs. The Russian Poultry Union responded by requesting import duties on poultry imports be quadrupled. Poultry meat consumption is projected to increase 6.3% in 2009 as result of rising disposable incomes.
Source: USDA FAS/news wires

Further Reading

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