US and Russia to continue meat trade talks

Two days of talks between Russia and the US on Moscow's new meat standards have ended without a deal, but the two countries will have more discussions to resolve the issue.

The new Russian standards have virtually halted American meat shipments to Russia, a key export market for the US. Agriculture Undersecretary Jim Miller said both sides agreed that the discussions will continue in the coming weeks with the goal of resolution.

Talks were slated to continue in Moscow through Thursday (Jan 28), said the USDA.

Russia said US processors use excessive amounts of chlorine to kill bacteria in poultry, and that American meat must live up to the new regulations for exports. The new rules are expected to also affect US beef exports to Russia. US officials have argued that their meats are safe for consumption.

A Russian business lobby group had expressed optimism that a compromise was possible.

In 2008, US meat exports to Russia were valued at more than US$1.3 billion.