July 28, 2008

Russia: Pork imports surge as economy flourishes

Russian imports of fresh and frozen pork jumped 29 percent from 108,900 tonnes in Q1 of 2007 to 152,600 tonnes in Q1 this year, as a thriving economy drives consumer demand for more meat.

Figures from the Customs Committee of Russia also showed that imports of pork from the EU more than doubled from 24,700 tonnes to 53,700 tonnes, despite authorities banning meat from 85 plants on inadequate hygiene standards.

Main exporters Denmark and Germany saw their market share more than double to over 27,000 tonnes.

The US market share rose 32 percent to 33,000 tonnes from 10,600 tonnes while imports of pork from Canada increased to over 20,000 tonnes from 13,600 tonnes. However, trade with Brazil slipped to 44,900 tonnes from 59,400 tonnes.

Russian beef imports also saw an increase. In Q1 this year, Russia imported 144,300 tonnes of beef - an increase of about 4,000 tonnes compared to the corresponding period last year. Brazil was the major supplier with 74,300 tonnes, but this was down by 10,000 tonnes, while the EU increased its exports to 8,100 tonnes from 6,200 tonnes.

While a booming economy is the main reason for increases in meat imports, another contributing factor is that Russia has yet to fully recover from Stalin's regime, where collectivism placed farms under the state's control.