Rosstat’s monthly and year-to-date data on Russia’s agricultural sector reveal mixed dynamics across eggs, grain, and livestock through the first 11 months. In November, Russian poultry farms sold 2.8 billion eggs, marking a decline of 1.8 percent from November of the previous year and a 2.5 percent drop compared with October. This snapshot comes from Rosstat’s socio-economic report covering the first 11 months of the year, underscoring how seasonal and price factors continue to influence production and market outcomes in the sector.
Looking at January through November, the overall trajectory for eggs remained positive in aggregate, with egg sales climbing to 31.3 billion units and representing an increase of 1.9 percent over the same period last year. In contrast, the number of poultry headcount on agricultural enterprises slipped by 0.5 percent by the end of November 2023 against the prior year. The dual picture suggests producers benefited from higher throughput in some months while facing structural pressures on flock size, a balance that has important implications for retail availability and pricing in the domestic market.
The report also highlights grain activity. In November, grain sales fell by 5.2 percent year over year, totaling 7.6 million tons. Relative to October 2023, November sales were down 13.4 percent. Despite this, cumulative grain sales for 11 months reached 69.8 million tons, which denotes a 19.7 percent increase compared with the previous year. The pattern points to stronger procurement in the period, with a broad impact on feed grain use and livestock production margins as the year progresses.
On the livestock and poultry front, Rosstat notes that 1.1 million tonnes were sold for slaughter in November. This figure shows a modest 0.7 percent year-on-year increase but a 0.6 percent decrease compared with October 2023. Across the first 11 months, total slaughter sales rose by 3.1 percent to 12.1 million tonnes, signaling sustained demand for meat products and the continuing influence of seasonal slaughter cycles on monthly totals.
Earlier statements from the Ministry of Agriculture pointed to potential relief from hormones of supply and pricing through imports. Officials indicated that Russia would soon receive duty-free eggs from Turkey and Azerbaijan, a move expected to ease elevated prices for consumers. This stance followed remarks by a senior official about the need to refine policy alignment after President Vladimir Putin commented on the market situation. While the import proposal aims to temper price pressure, several industry observers remain cautious about the overall effectiveness of imports in offsetting domestic price dynamics amid ongoing price increases.
In a broader context, Russia put forward a proposal to the Eurasian Economic Commission seeking permission for duty-free import of up to 1.2 billion chicken eggs, to be delivered between January 1 and June 30, 2024. The goal cited concerns stabilizing the egg market and ensuring steady supplies in the early part of the year. Market participants continue to monitor how such measures would interact with domestic production, storage, and price trends in the coming months, as international sourcing decisions intersect with local farming cycles and consumer demand concerns.
Industry observers have also discussed price expectations for specific imported items. For instance, some analysts anticipate that Turkish eggs could appear in local stores at around 90 rubles per package, a benchmark that would contribute to the pricing landscape faced by retailers and households. The evolving mix of domestic production, seasonal demand, and international imports will likely shape price trajectories and consumer access as winter moves into spring, with a continuing emphasis on policy actions and logistics that can influence supply stability.