000873 Russia Plans Big Meat Import CutsAugust 31, 2000Moscow - Buoyed by a strong harvest, Russia expects substantial cuts in imports of meat, poultry and dairy products, the Agriculture Ministry said. Anticipated cuts in meat and dairy imports will range from 15% to 50% and reflects trends through the first half of this year, the ministry was quoted as saying by the ITAR-Tass news agency. The weakness of the Russian ruble has cut imports and a good harvest this summer is expected to further reduce demand. Russia is a major food importer, especially from the United States and the European Union. In 1999, Russia imported 975,700 tons of meat worth $964.98 million, 235,900 tons of poultry worth $153.9 million, 183,700 tons of condensed milk and cream and 37,900 tons of butter worth $61.7 million, the report said.
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