Russia-Drop in beef and pork consumption.

Russian beef and pork consumption is expected to fall by around 20pc in 2009, with imports expected to decline accordingly, according to the Russian National Meat Association.

Russian beef imports in January and February 2009 fell by more than 40pc on those of the previous year.

This trend contrasts with last year’s trade pattern when imports of unprocessed beef lifted to a record - 800,000 tonnes swt.

The fall in beef and pork consumption in Russia is expected to be replaced by cheaper meats, including chicken, with its production expected to grow by 12pc during 2009.

This continues the increasing trend of previous years reflecting, in part, the constant government subsidies and the imposition of import quotas.

If demand largely outweighs supply and poultry prices rise excessively, consumers are expected to switch to non-meat products.

Beef, poultry and pork import quotas were imposed in 2003 and were agreed until December 2009 to protect domestic producers (reaching 450,000 tonnes of frozen beef and 29,500

tonnes of chilled beef with preferential tariff rates in 2009).

Given the decrease in the Russian cattle herd and beef production, the National Meat Association forecasts that beef import quotas may need to increase by 20-25pc, from 2010 to satisfy demand.