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 per cent higher than a year ago in volume (140.4 million pounds) and up 22 per cent in value ($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 Mr Lively noted that controlling African swine fever (ASF) is one of many challenges making this an elusive goal.

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