U.S. Pork Exports to Russia Look to be Strong

By CnAgri Print

Russia's demand for U.S. meat is very strong, with pork exports to the country increasing by 30 percent.

Thad Lively, USMEF senior president for trade access says that Russia has imported nearly 117 million pounds of beef this year, with a value of $214 million.

Pork exports were 30 percent higher than a year ago in volume and up 22 percent in value at $183 million.

Russia has invested heavily in its pork industry, with the stated objective of reaching self-sufficiency in pork production in the near future. But Lively noted that controlling African swine fever (ASF) is one of many challenges making this an elusive goal.

Lively said that Russia made significant market access concessions for U.S. beef and pork as part of its negotiations to join the World Trade Organization, including a larger tariff rate quota for beef muscle cuts and reduced duty rates for pork imports. But he says WTO membership has not eliminated all barriers facing U.S. meat as it enters Russia, so significant work continues on approval of processing plants, consistent application of veterinary standards and other key issues.