Analysts at the Meat and Livestock Commission in the UK said that Russian imports also rose despite a fall of 40 percent in imports form Brazil.

The Brazilian shortfall was covered by increased imports from Denmark and Germany and other EU countries as well as the U.S. and Canada.

In the first quarter of this year pork imports to Russia have continued to rise, and with a rise in domestic production, prices have been kept down.

“It has been reported that pork prices have fallen by 30 to 40 percent compared with 2006,” say the MLC economists.

While the pork imports rose, Russian imports of beef and poultry meat fell by four percent and three percent, respectively, as a result of reduced supplies from Brazil, which was hit by a block on its trade because of foot-and-mouth disease in certain provinces.

“However, some have been possible as Russian veterinary agents in Brazil have been inspecting and certifying goods prior to export,” said the MLC.