November 3, 2006

Russia to be world's second largest beef importer

Russia is set to become the world's second largest beef importer in 2007, according to a USDA report.

Russia is expected to import 905,000 tonnes of beef in 2007, 8 percent above the 840,000 tonnes forecast to be imported this year, the report said.

However, restrictions on imports from Brazil due to disease concerns would prevent figures from reaching the peak in 2005. 

Russian beef production has fallen 25 percent from 2000 to 2007, at a time when consumption is soaring in the country due to higher incomes. The EU, which has traditionally supplied Russia with beef, is facing shortages itself.

The greatest beneficiary of the shortage would have to be Australia whose beef exports to Russia has risen significantly this year.