May 12, 2006

 

US poultry exports to Russia seen unaffected by import ban

 

 

US poultry shipments appear to be moving to Russia without any problems, according to industry sources.

 

There has been a great deal of uncertainty about the status of the Russian market for poultry following an announcement by Russia on Apr 27 that it would require new import licences to be issued with a May-8 deadline for the permits in use at that time.

 

Russia is the US's largest export customer for poultry and purchases primarily chicken leg-quarters. Consumers in the US prefer chicken breast meat.

 

There have been anecdotal reports that the ships were loading as normal at US ports and sailing for Russia this week with no known problems for others that were arriving at the Russian ports.

 

James Sumner, president of the US Poultry and Egg Export Council, said Thursday (May 11) that based on information received during a conference call he had been on with many of the leading US poultry exporters, there are no current problems in exporting poultry to Russia.

 

He said Russia apparently has made the transition--from the old permits to the new--with no problems foreseen at this time.

 

"It is business as usual," Sumner said.

 

USDA officials are waiting for official word from Moscow on whether a new system for poultry import permits has been completed in time to prevent any trade disruptions, but so far that has not happened.

 

One USDA official, who asked not to be named in this report, said the Department has received no news of any cancelled or blocked shipments, but stressed that government officials are anxious about the situation.

 

USDA Secretary Mike Johanns told reporters two weeks ago that he and US Trade Representative Rob Portman were personally urging Moscow not to disrupt trade.

 

Since there has been no official word from the Russian government on the status of the new permits, US poultry industry and government officials alike will keep a close watch on the situation, sources said.