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Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan established a customs union in early December to simplify trade among them. A single set of customs tariffs goes into effect January 1, 2010. The three countries have set 2010 meat import quotas within the framework of the union, according to the Interfax news agency.
Russia's pork import quota in 2010 will be 500,000 tonnes; Belarus' will be 30,000 tonnes, and Kazakhstan's will be 7,400 tonnes.
For poultry, Russia's and Kazakhstan's quotas in 2010 will be 780,000 tonnes and 110,000 tonnes respectively; Belarus' poultry quota for 2010 has not yet been set.
Kyrgyzstan is reportedly interested in joining the customs union.