Russia imports 34% more beef

Marts: While imports of beef by Russia during 2005 showed a significant increase, European exports of beef to Russia fall sharply following the cut in export refunds, which led to the deficit being filled by supplies from South American countries.

Russia’s latest import figures show that for the first nine months of 2005 the volume of beef purchased increased 34% to almost 458,000 tonnes.

All of the increase in supplies came from South American countries. Brazil almost doubled the supply of beef to Russia increasing sales by 100,000 tonnes to 191,000 tonnes. Imports from Argentina more than doubled to 129,500 tonnes.