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Russia to Reopen Ports to U.S. Pork

Word out of Russia indicates it will gradually lift its import bans on shipments of pork from U.S. plants. This announcement follows an agreement by Washington to observe Russian food safety rules.

Moscow had taken a hard line with the United States on food safety. It accused U.S. exporters of flouting Russian rules. Some critics say the bans could be politically motivated. Meanwhile, negotiations to resume U.S. poultry shipments are ongoing.

Russia ranks among the United States' top five markets for pork, beef and poultry. In 2008, the United States shipped more than $1.3 billion worth of these products to Russia.