Russia has more pigs again

The pig population in Russia has continued to grow in the past year, according to figures from the Russian statistical office, Rosstat. On July 1, Russia had a total of 23,8 million pigs.

This represents a growth of 1,5% compared to last year. Meat production (live weight) recorded approximately 2017 million tons in the first half of 6,5. Net meat production increased by 4,5% to more than 2 million tons. The growth of the Russian pig sector is a trend that has been continuously visible since 2006.

Significantly less imports
Due to the fast-growing pig sector, Russia imports much less pork. The Russians are expected to import about 13,5% less this year than last year, to about 300.000 tons of pork. In 2012, the import counter was still above 1 million tons. Growing production and declining imports are thus making Russia increasingly self-sufficient. The Kremlin also cherishes this wish. 

Business with Brazil
It is striking that Russia mainly imports pork from Brazil. Due to the meat scandals, Brazilian meat exports fell by 4% in the first half of the year, according to Rabobank. However, exports to Russia increased by 10% during that period.

Rabobank also expects Russia to continue buying Brazilian pork at least until 2019. This is because of the import ban that the Kremlin uses for European pork. Brazilian exports are therefore highly dependent on Russia. Given Russia's increasing self-sufficiency, that poses a long-term threat. 

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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