Chicken Exports to Middle East up 69% in Value
BRAZIL - Poultry meat exports are up by 19% for the first half of this year compared to 2007.
16 July 2008
3 minute read
According to figures disclosed on 14 July by the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (ABEF) and reported by the Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA), the Middle East remained the leading foreign market for Brazilian chicken in the first half of 2008, both in terms of volume and revenues.
A total of 559,000 tonnes of chicken meat were shipped to the Middle Eastern market from January to June, growth of 21% over the same period in 2007. Revenues grew at an even greater rate (69%) and reached US$969 million in the first six months this year.
In total, Brazil exported 1.8 million tonnes in the half, 19% more than in the period from January to June 2007. The shipments generated $3.4 billion, an increase of 58% over the first six months of last year.
ABEF believes that the performance in the second half of the year should remain positive. However, according to the organisation, the sector profitability is being reduced due to the appreciation of the Brazilian real against the dollar and to the higher price of inputs used in the activity.
Asia was the second main destination for Brazilian chicken in the first half. Sales to the region generated $850 million, growth of 61% over the same period in 2007. Shipments totalled 454,000 tonnes, an increase of 61%.
The European Union was the third main buyer, with imports of $764 million, 32% more than in the first half of last year. Trade totalled 283,000 tonnes, growth of 4%.
The other countries in South America are in the fourth position with purchases of $242 million, an increase of 155% over the first six months of 2007. Exports totalled 151,000 tonnes, growth of 88%.
Africa comes in the fifth position. The countries of the continent imported 127,000 tonnes, 12% more than in the period from January to June last year. Revenues reached $125 million, an increase of 29%.
The sixth main market was Russia. Shipments to that country totalled 87,000 tonnes, 2% less than in the same period in 2007. Exports generated $169 million, growth of 46%.
In terms of values, chicken cuts were the products most exported in the half ($1.8 billion), followed by whole chickens ($1 billion), salted chicken ($336 million) and processed chicken ($249 million).
