Updated June 6, 2008

   In January-April 2008 Russia has increased import of meat (except for poultry meat) by 12,5% (in natural terms) as compared to the analogical period last year, and poultry meat import has increased by 10,8%.

   According to the data of custom statistics, import of meat for four months grew to 430 800 tons (by $1118,4 million) as compared to 382 900 tons (by $938,3 million) in January-April 2007. Import of poultry meat totaled 344 700 tons (by $295,7 million) against 311 200 tons (by $236,1 million).

   In its turn, according to Federal Customs Service (FCS) data, import of raw sugar went by 210 900 tons down, by $82,4 million, as compared to 1286 400 tons (by $417 million) in January-April last year. A drop is conditioned by seasonal duty on these products import. Coffee supplies grew by 23 100 tons (by $70,8 million) against 20 100 tons (by $49,8 million), tea – by 64 300 tons (by $176,8 million) against 60 500 tons (by $134,5 million), citrus fruits – by 547 900 tons (by $383,4 million) against 536 300 tons (by $353,6 million).

   In January-April 2008 import of fish grew by 309 700 tons (by $496,3 million) against 300 200 tons (by $442,4 million) as compared to the analogical period 2007, condensed milk and cream – by 10 800 tons (by $34,6 million) against 700 tons (by $2,2 million), sunflower-seed oil – by 37 500 tons (by $57,5 million) against 29 100 tons (by $26,9 million).

   In January-April butter supplies have went slightly down – from 37 700 tons (by $68,3 million) as compared to the analogical period last year – by 37 100 tons (by $107,2 million).

Import of spirits and non-alcoholic beverages for four months totaled $712,6 million against $620,2 million last year.

   According to FCS data, for four months current year the stake of food products and raw materials for their production in the total import volume from far-abroad countries was 13%, and it is 3,2% less as compared to the analogical period last year.

Expert comments
Musheg Mamikonyan, Russia’s Myasnoy Soyuz (Meat union) president

   Data about the increase of meat import shows growth of its consumption in Russia. On the account of the current macroeconomic indices it is possible to sum up that household earnings have increased, and that creates an effective demand. Although Russia’s indices of cattle breeding are growing, this increase does not permit to cover Russian population necessities. However, I do not think such high percent keeps by year end.

As for poultry meat import, it has dumping character regarding internal offer. Feed is rising in price and import does not permit producers to raise a price.