September 3, 2012

Russia's meat production rises 15% on-year during July 2012

The increase in meat production comes on the back of growth in both pork (16%) and poultry (22%) production, while beef production fell 1.2% on-year.

For the January-July period, total meat production is estimated by Rosstat to have risen 9% on-year, totalling 5.8 million tonnes. Pork and poultry production increased 6% and 17%, respectively, while beef production decreased 5%.

Pork and poultry production in Russia has been highly subsidised, and large investments in domestic production have increased output significantly. Beef production, on the other hand, is still largely a by-product of the dairy industry. However, efforts are being made within Russia to increase production, with large beef specific projects underway.  Nonetheless, as the world's largest importer of beef in 2011, it appears that imports will continue to make up a large percentage of Russian beef supply.