November 20 2002, 16:59

Russia to restrict meat imports from EU

Russian government might consider taking adequate measures upon planned introduction by European Union of customs duties for Russian wheat since January 1, 2003. In particular, Russia might restrict imports of meat and diary products from EU countries, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Gordeyev told an investment forum in Brussels. He said Russian government was dissatisfied with EU's policy of giving preferences to US and Canada while restricting grain imports from Ukraine and Russia.

On November 12 European Union took a preliminary decision about introduction of quota for wheat imports in the amount of 2.981 million tonnes at a 12 euros per tonne import duty. Of this amount 572,000 tonnes and 38,000 tonnes correspondingly are set aside for USA and Canada.