FAS/Moscow forecasts Russian broiler production to reach 3.3 MMT in 2014 (3.4 percent more than FAS/Moscow’s 2013 estimate). The new State Program for the Development of Poultry Production from 2013-2015 (hereinafter, the 2013-2015 Poultry Program) conservatively envisages poultry
production to grow to 4.0 MMT in 2015, compared to 3.55 MMT in 2012, and should help further boost Russian broiler production next year. In addition to forecasting an increase in domestic production in 2014, due to industry support measures implemented by the Russian government in 2013 (e.g., grain intervention sales and compensation for high feed costs), as well as an increase in domestic grain production in 2013, FAS/Moscow has raised its estimate for 2013 Russian broiler production by three percent to 3.05 MMT.
Because of the forecasted increase in competitively priced domestic production, broiler imports are forecast to decrease slightly in 2014 (to 530,000 MT). Moreover, trade statistics show that Russian broiler imports were down nearly six percent (to 191,255 MT) during the first five months of 2013,
when compared to the same period last year. This reduction in trade, coupled with FAS/Moscow’s expectation that Russian broiler production will grow at a faster pace in the second half of 2013, has led
FAS/Moscow to reduce its 2013 import estimate by nearly seven percent (to 540,000 MT).The Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus Customs Union (CU) continues to promote intra-CU, duty-free agricultural trade. FAS/Moscow forecasts Russia’s broiler exports in 2014 to increase by eight percent
(to 65,000 MT) over revised 2013 levels as a result of increased domestic production at a lower cost of production, and favorable trade conditions between the two CU Member States. FAS/Moscow’s 2013 export forecast has been reduced by nearly 30 percent (to 60,000 MT) because of several factors. First, Customs Union trade statistics show a significant decrease in year-on-year trade. While traders believe this data is underreported, they also expect Russian broiler exports to be lower than early 2013 projections. In addition, Kazakhstan has reportedly strengthened its own domestic broiler production, and increased control over imported products.
