Russian beef imports for 2010-11 have increased 5pc on the previous year, assisted by a surge in imports from Europe and Australia. 

Imports from the European region for 2010-11 were up 324pc year-on-year, totalling 101,762 tonnes.

The rise was largely driven by higher shipments from Germany (up 263pc, to 29,541 tonnes), Lithuania (up 98pc, to 13,749t), Italy (up 304pc, to 13,185t), Poland (up 502pc, to 10,893t) and Ireland (up 1349pc to 9965t). Similarly, imports of US product rose 52pc on the previous year, to 22,134t.

A weak euro and US$ against the Russian ruble partly contributed to the rise in imports, in contrast to stronger currencies and higher beef prices from South America.

Although Brazil continued to be Russia’s main beef supplier, shipments  fell 6pc year-on-year, to 287,262t. Meanwhile, imports from Uruguay were down 12pc, to 77,583t, while shipments from Argentina slumped 82pc, to 20,927t.

Despite a very strong A$ throughout the year, Australia took advantage of the reduced shipments of South American product, with Russian imports of Australian beef increasing 281pc year-on-year, to 68,199t. That’s significantly higher than Australia’s previous fiscal year record of 63,189t on 2008-09.