October 22, 2014

China to allow Austrian pork imports from next year, reports say

An Austrian trade delegation has won assurances from China that it will allow pork imports from Austria beginning next year, according to reports in the Austrian media.

Diversifying export markets is a priority for Austria given Russian restrictions on food imports amid a trade row with Western countries over allegations Moscow is supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. 

Austrian newspapers quote Chinese authorities as saying they will drop veterinary restrictions, freeing the way for pork imports from 2015.

"I am overjoyed that this has succeeded," Agriculture Minister Andrae Rupprechter is quoted as saying in the Kleine Zeitung. "I assume that we can compensate for the collapse of the Russian market within two years."

Austria exported pork worth EUR 23.1 million (US$ 29.3 million) to Russia in 2013, the paper says.

Other media outlets also report that Rupprechter had secured this week from South Korea, which already allows pork imports from Austria, additional imports such as bacon and sausage from 2015.