Russian meat imports on the rise after WTO accession

摘要

Russian meat imports rose steadily in the second half of last year, adding to the fears of local producers who say they are losing out after the country's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Russian customs data shows that imports of pigmeat reached 743 579 tonnes in 2012, a rise of 9% on the previous year. More significantly however, monthly shipments have surged since August, when Russia formally joined the WTO and subsequently reduced import tariffs on a range of products, including pork. Pigmeat imports in the fourth quarter of last year reached 218 181t —a jump of 28% on the same year-ago period. Monthly purchases now regularly top 70 OOOt, compared with the 50-60 OOOt purchased prior to WTO accession. Meanwhile, Russian chicken meat imports reached 456 627t in 2012 - a jump of 17% on the previous year. Purchases in the third quarter were almost a third up on the previous year, but then stabilised in the final quarter. Beef imports rose by a more modest 3% last year to reach 626426t. But again, growth accelerated in the latter part of the year, with imports in the final quarter rising 9% on year to 157 645t.