Import of meat into Russia is insignificant, Belarus accounts for 50% - Rosselkhoznadzor

MOSCOW. March 28 (Interfax) - Russia has significantly reduced its dependence on meat imports in recent years. Moreover, Belarus accounts for half of these imports, Rosselkhoznadzor head Sergei Dankvert said at a meeting of the agency's board on Thursday.

"Dependence on imports in meat of all kinds [is insignificant], Belarus accounts for nearly 50%, and this is the Union State," Dankvert said.

According to the presentation, in 2023, meat imports amounted to 586,000 tonnes (597,000 tonnes in 2020). Pork imports stood at 1,400 tonnes (6,000 tonnes), beef - 201,000 tonnes (227,000 tonnes). Imports of meat and poultry by-products amounted to 232,000 tonnes, which is almost the same as in 2020.

"At the same time, you see that since 2015, when exports began - both poultry, pork and beef - it is already significant," Dankvert said.

According to Rosselkhoznadzor, in 2023 Russia exported 309,000 tonnes of meat and poultry by-products in slaughter weight (289,000 tonnes in 2020). Pork exports amounted to 158,000 tonnes (115,000 tonnes), beef - 31,000 tonnes (16,000 tonnes). Total meat exports amounted to 649,000 tonnes (569,000 tonnes).

According to the presentation, meat production in Russia in 2023 amounted to 11.7 million tonnes, including 5.3 million tonnes of poultry, 4.754 million tonnes of pork, and 1.651 million tonnes of beef.