Russia and US make progress in poultry row

Russia and the US have made progress in talks aimed at resuming the import of US poultry banned since January, head of Russia's consumer protection watchdog said on Thursday (May 27).

"We have agreed on four positions in order to meet Russian legislation and let Americans to avoid waiving their own political issues," Russian government official Gennady Onishchenko said, declining to speak about the possible timing of reinstating the import.

Russia, the top market for US chicken exports, blocked trade on January 19 because of concerns about a routine chlorine wash used by US poultry processors.

Analysts have said large US poultry imports to Russia have often become hostage of chilly political relations between the two nations but the latest ban came as a surprise as it took place amid fast improving ties between Moscow and US.

The US said the measure would have a "devastating impact" on the US poultry industry and trade, and raise the costs of poultry products for Russian consumers.

The ban has roiled exports from major producers such as Tyson Foods Inc and Sanderson Farms.

Meanwhile, Onishchenko reiterated that Russia insisted on importing poultry without the chlorine wash, a condition, which the US reportedly agreed to follow.