U.S. signs adjusted meat export quota protocol with Russia

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday signed a protocol to the 2005 U.S.-Russia Agreement on Trade in Certain Types of Poultry, Beef and Pork.

   The protocol makes adjustments to the in-quota quantity and out-of-quota tariff on U.S. pork and poultry exports to Russia.

   “The United States is very pleased that our USTR/USDA negotiating team was able to reach agreement so U.S. exporters can continue supplying this important market,” said Sean Spicer, USTR spokesman, in a statement. “This protocol will provide certainty to our trade in poultry and pork in 2009.”

   Russia is the top export market for U.S. poultry meat and the fourth largest market for U.S. pork. In 2007, U.S. exports of poultry and pork to Russia reached $720 million and $191 million, respectively, the USTR said.

Source: American Shipper