July 24, 2023

Up to 40% rise in Russian pork exports in first six months of 2023

Russia's pork exports increased by up to 40% in the first six months of 2023 compared to the volumes in January-June 2022.

"Total exports of pork products in the first half of the year are estimated to have increased by 35-40%, which is partly explained by the reduced basis of the first half of last year," said Yuri Kovalev, head of the National Union of Pork Producers. "Nevertheless, if current trends continue and in the absence of global turbulence, we can estimate the export of pork products at the level of 220-230 thousand tonnes in 2023 ($450 million in monetary terms)." 

According to Kovalev, the main reason for the growth of pork exports is the improvement of the global market conditions and the weakening of the Russian currency. Among the observed trends is the continued growth of pork supplies to Belarus, as well as the resumption of exports to Vietnam.

Pork supplies to Belarus increased by 21% in 2023. Supplies to Vietnam have grown almost twofold. Kovalev also highlighted the increase in the share of pork in the supply structure.

"Pig meat now accounts for almost 75% of supplies, although two to three years ago, the share of meat was only two-third," Kovalev added. "The rest is by-products. Thus, it provides not only the growth of supply volumes but also growth in value."

- AgroExport