July 9, 2025 | 17:00 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Sunday- 22:03, 15/10/2023

China approves pork imports from Russia

(VAN) China has lifted the nearly 15-year ban on Russian pork imports, following an in-depth analysis of the situation around African Swine Fever (ASF) in the country,

Russian veterinary body Rosselhoznadzor announced. Nevertheless, it will take some time before the first shipments will follow.

Photo: Canva

Photo: Canva

China imposed restrictions on Russian pork in 2008 after the first ASF outbreaks occured in the southern regions of the European part of the country. Rosselhoznadzor said that it worked strenuously during the last 10 years to get the ban annulled.

Top-level negotiations bear fruits

The Russian pig industry welcomed the move. Sergey Kovalev, chairman of the Russian Union of Pork Producers (RUPP), told local state news outlet Interfax: “The Chinese authorities have recognised Russian regionalisation of ASF, which is a consequence of the Russian side providing objective, comprehensive and complete information about the system of control, surveillance, monitoring and methods of combating this disease. Talks between veterinary officials and negotiations at the top political level played a big role in getting the ban lifted.”

No complaints

Over the past few years, Russia has been expanding pork export, and no complaints about the quality have ever been raised, Kovalev claimed. Russia plans to sell around 200,000 tonnes of pork to China per year, Russian government agency Agroexport said in a statement. China imports around 2 million tonnes of pork per year, so Russia targets to get hold of a 10% stake in the Chinese pork market.

Bright outlook

In 2023, Russia will sell around 200,000 tonnes of pork to foreign customers. That will make it the 8th world’s largest exporter of this type of meat. Kovalev estimated that with the opening of the Chinese market, this figure could grow to 400,000 to 500,000 tonnes per year. If that forecast comes true, he added, Russia will enter the list of the top-5 world’s largest pork exporters.

Export will determine the future shape of the Russian pig industry, Kovalev said. He estimating that this year, Russian pork production will grow by 5%, and the same growth pace is anticipated in 2024. “To a large extent, ongoing investments in the industry are being made, with a bet on a future increase in exports. In recent years, a number of companies launched new pig farms eyeing the Asian markets.”

Deliveries are yet to start

There is still a long way ahead before the actual pork deliveries can begin, Kovalev said. The 2 countries need to do some technical work to harmonise veterinary regulations.

HD

(PP)

Illegal loggers profit from Brazil’s carbon credit projects

Illegal loggers profit from Brazil’s carbon credit projects

(VAN) How a system designed to protect the world’s biggest rainforest is funding businesses with a track record of illegal deforestation.

Cage-free countdown: UK retailers face 2025 deadline

Cage-free countdown: UK retailers face 2025 deadline

(VAN) Pressure is growing on companies to adopt the cage-free commitment for their egg supplies. Many food companies said their eggs would be from cage-free systems by the end of this year (2025).

Droughts worldwide pushing tens of millions towards starvation

Droughts worldwide pushing tens of millions towards starvation

(VAN) Water shortages hitting crops, energy and health as crisis gathers pace amid climate breakdown.

Green Climate Fund approves a record $300 million for FAO-designed projects in Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia and the Sahel

Green Climate Fund approves a record $300 million for FAO-designed projects in Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia and the Sahel

(VAN) The initiatives focus on forestry management, fisheries transformation and land restoration.

FAO urges collective action for food security, climate and development challenges in Africa.

FAO urges collective action for food security, climate and development challenges in Africa.

(VAN) Director-General QU Dongyu addresses the 6th AU-EU Agriculture Ministerial Conference.

Science meets soil: High-tech solutions elevate China's agricultural development

Science meets soil: High-tech solutions elevate China's agricultural development

(VAN) In the suburbs of Beijing, there is an agricultural center spanning over 150 hectares dedicated to research, demonstration, and application of high-tech and precision agriculture.

Plant-derived fertilizer additive boosts yields and cuts emissions

Plant-derived fertilizer additive boosts yields and cuts emissions

(VAN) Researchers from the Institute of Applied Ecology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a new environmentally friendly fertilizer additive that significantly enhances crop yields while reducing emissions of harmful gases.

Read more