December 5, 2007

Russia to allow import of US beef

Russia may soon end a four-year ban on US beef, with the signing of a new agreement on US beef imports. 

Russia banned US beef four years ago due to a breakout of mad cow disease

The country used to be the fifth largest buyer of US beef.

Higher domestic demand for beef, especially beef liver has meant that Russia would have to open its doors to imports, the US Meat Exporters Federation (USMEF) said.

The weaker dollar also meant American farmers stood to gain immensely.

Russia this year authorized 18 US plants to export boneless beef and by-products.