August 13, 2009

Russia should make greater use of anti-dumping investigations to protect the domestic meat market, according to first vice-premier Victor Zubkov. 

Zubkov said Russia rarely conducts such investigations and apply protective measures, although cases of unfair competition frequently.

Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Sobyanin cited the EU as an example,saying that European nations are buying meat from their manufacturers for EUR4.5 (US$6.4) per kg, while in Russia it comes frozen for EUR1.5 (US$2.1) per kg, a price that the local market might not be able to compete with.

Sobyanin also said the customs and tariff legislation in the pork and poultry markets are effective and can be applied to the beef industry.

Sergei Yushin, the chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Meat Association, supports the idea of improving customs and tariff arrangements.