MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti economic commentator...
of American chicken quarters is sold in large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.Initially, the Russian authorities said there would be no shortage of chicken and that prices would not grow. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin also said Russia could search for other suppliers if its American partners find it difficult to comply with the new rules.
First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov said last week that poultry meat could be imported from South America, the EU and the Middle East.
But Russia will most likely not have to search for new suppliers because U.S. companies can easily adjust their technology. However, this will take time, which could be the main stumbling block at the talks.
So far, there are no objective reasons for an increase in chicken prices. Zubkov said that all poultry meat imported last year and custom cleared by January 19, 2010 will be sold in the market. Moreover, American suppliers could be given an extension.