Russia increases imports of certain foods by 10%-33% after WTO accession - Agro Min
MOSCOW. Dec 25 (Interfax) - Russia increased imports of beef, pork, mill, cream, butter, and cheese by 10%-33% in September-November 2012 after the country's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Agricultural Ministry said on Tuesday, citing Minister Nikolai Fyodorov at a Tuesday meeting of the Russian government's commission on agriculture and the fisheries.
"Bearing in mind seasonal factors, total imports of powdered milk and cream with sugar doubled" the ministry said in a statement.
The statement said: "In addition, total imports of pork increased to owing to a decrease in the above-quota duty from 75% and 65% and the cancelation of the specific component following Russia's accession to the WTO."
The minister added that if these imports continue to grow there are options and instruments for protecting producers and the domestic market.