Russia-Meat imports down again.

RUSSIA BEEF IMPORTS WELL DOWN.

Russia imported 39,000 metric tons of beef in January and

February, down 40% on the year, the Russian National Meet Association said

Wednesday.

Pork imports during the period fell by 31% on the year to 53,000 tons, and

poultry imports fell by 18% to 92,000 tons.

The association said the fall in imports was due to significant meat stocks

left over from last year, the sharp fall in the ruble/dollar exchange rate and

the current lack of credit available from banks.

Another factor is that meat processing enterprises are experiencing financial

difficulties in the current financial crisis and their outstanding debts to meat suppliers are accumulating.