July 28, 2004

Russia Remains United States' Main Poultry Customer

Despite having introduced an import quota for poultry meat and reduced its imports from the United States, Russia remains by far the country's biggest chicken buyer, U.S. Department of Agriculture figures for January-May indicate.

The USA Poultry and Egg Exporting Council (USAPEEC) offices for Russia, Ukraine and Belarus revealed that Russia imported 238,240 tonnes of U.S.-produced broiler meat in January-May, 7% less year-on-year (255,820 tonnes). That, however, was a 46% price increase to $172.1 million.

Mexico follows well behind Russia, having imported 70,700 tonnes of U.S. broiler meat in the first five months (up 20% year-on-year).

Russia imported 5,300 tonnes of U.S. turkey in January-May 2004, 65% more year-on-year (3,200 tonnes). Likewise, Mexico is second behind Russia.