US Tries to Regain Access to Russian Market
US - US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is leading efforts towards restoring access to the Russian market for US pork.
7 January 2010
2 minute read
Over the past 14 months, Russia has been effectively closing its doors to US pork by de-listing nearly 30 processing plants, according to USMEF.
Paul Clayton, USMEF senior vice president for export services, explains that with only a handful of small US facilities still eligible to export to Russia, the situation is every bit as damaging as a full market closure.
Mr Clayton says USMEF is working with pork industry organizations and several agencies of the US government to restore access to Russia for US pork, and that the issue is considered a top priority by all parties involved.
Until the end of October 2009, US pork exports to Russia declined by more than 40 per cent compared to the same period in 2008, due in part to limited market access.
