Russian pork expected to start reaching China in Q2-Q3 2024 - Econ Ministry

MOSCOW. Sept 29 (Interfax) - Russian pork, which has been granted access to the Chinese market, will begin arriving in the country in the second or third quarter of 2024, the Economic Development Ministry reported.

China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) on Thursday announced a decision to allow pork imports from Russia after an assessment of risks and analysis of Russia's system of state control over African swine fever (ASF). China also recognized the principle of regionalization in Russia, making it possible to export pork from regions where there is no ASF. This lifts restrictions China imposed back in 2008.

"However, for actual shipments to the Chinese market to begin, the Russian side must take a number of actions that, according to available estimates, will take three to 12 months," the ministry said in a press release.

"These actions include the signing of a protocol on requirements for pork exports from Russia to China; approval of the veterinary certificate for pork exports and attestation of Russian producers of pork products; and registration of Russian enterprises in China's food import registration system (Cifer)," the ministry said.

"The authorized agencies of our countries have been discussing the opening of the Chinese market for Russian port for almost 15 years. Recently we managed to intensify the negotiation process," Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov was quoted as saying in the press release.

"China holds the leading position by amount of household pork consumption. We consider this market to be the most promising for exports of Russian pork products," he said.