June 8, 2006

Russia's non-CIS meat imports up 66.5 percent on-year

Russia's Federal Customs Service said imports of frozen and chilled meat from outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) rose 66.5 percent on the year to 309,600 tonnes in January-April, and were worth US$430.5 million, news agency Prime-Tass reported Wednesday (Jun 7).

Russia's total meat imports amounted to 310,500 tonnes in the period and were worth US$432.1 million, the service said without providing comparisons.

Poultry meat imports amounted to 366,700 tonnes in January-April, and were worth US$227.8 million, the service said without providing comparisons.

In 2005, Russia's non-CIS meat imports were up 36.9 percent to 1.202 million tonnes.

Russia's 2006 import quota for frozen beef has been set at 435,000 tonnes, up from 430,000 tonnes in 2005, while the pork quota has been set at 476,100 tonnes, up from 467,400 tonnes. The fresh beef quota remains almost unchanged on the year at 27,800 tonnes.

Importers are able to purchase meat above the quota, but at a higher import duty. The quotas only apply for imports from outside the CIS.