August 25, 2011

Russian beef imports show 5% increase

Russian beef imports for 2010-11 rose by 5% following an increase in imports from Europe.

Imports from the European region for 2010-11 were up 324% on-year, totalling 101,762 tonnes swt. The rise was largely driven by higher shipments from Germany (up 263%, to 29,541 tonnes swt), Lithuania (up 98%, to 13,749 tonnes swt), Italy (up 304%, to 13,185 tonnes swt), Poland (up 502%, to 10,893 tonnes swt) and Ireland (up 1,349% to 9,965 tonnes swt). Similarly, imports of US product rose 52% on the previous year, to 22,134 tonnes swt.

A weak euro and US$ against the Russian rouble partly contributed to the rise in imports, in contrast to stronger currencies and higher beef prices from South America.

Although Brazil continued to be Russia's main beef supplier, shipments fell 6% on-year, to 287,262 tonnes swt. Meanwhile, imports from Uruguay were down 12%, to 77,583 tonnes swt, whilst shipments from Argentina slumped 82%, to 20,927 tonnes swt.

Despite a very strong Australian dollar throughout the year, Australia took advantage of the reduced shipments of South American product, with Russian imports of Australian beef increasing 281% on-year, to 68,199 tonnes swt.