July 15, 2010

Russian pork imports value up in June

The value of Russian pork imports in June was US$202 million, a rise of 13% compared with the year-earlier month, when US$178.6 million worth of pork was imported.

June's imports were 2.2% higher than in May, when US$197.6 million worth of pork was imported, the federal customs service reported Wednesday (July 14).

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik said on Tuesday (July 13) that the country should increase domestic breeding to be able to export US$1.5-2 billion worth of poultry meat and pork by 2020.

Russia, which covers much of its needs by imported meat, has repeatedly said it aims to become an exporter. However, officials offered different timetables. Under the Russian Food Security Doctrine adopted in February a minimum level of self-sufficiency in meat is set at 85% of consumption volumes, but the doctrine does not say when this level should be reached.