July 19, 2011

Russia, US divided on meat imports

During the World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks, Russia and the US could not come to a consensus on meat imports, according to Russian Economic Development Minister Elvira Nabiullina.

"There are significant disagreements on meat imports," Nabiullina said.

Russia is not satisfied with WTO conditions on meat imports, such as high quotas on imports of meat and resetting a number of customs duties, which may lead to dumping on the meat market and create difficulties for domestic meat producers.

Russia, the only large economy outside the WTO, has been negotiating the entry for 17 years compared to the five to seven years it has taken most member countries. However, Russia and its partners have said Moscow can join the trading club this year.