According to figures disclosed today by the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef), exports to the region generated US$ 309.1 million, growth of 44.3 per cent over January and February last year.

Shipments to the region totalled 197,600 tonnes, growth of 12.3 per cent in the same comparison, according to the Abef. The Middle East is the main foreign market for Brazilian chicken.

In all, foreign sales of chicken generated US$ 884.9 million, growth of 12.2 per cent over the first half in 2009. Shipments totalled 515,000 tonnes, a reduction of 4.13 per cent over January and February last year.

In a press statement disclosed by the Abef, the organisation’s president, Francisco Turra, stated that “the expansion in revenues is a good result for the sector this year, as there was a 16 per cent reduction in 2009”. He pointed out, however, that “there is still not total international financial stability.”

There was also growth in sales to Asia and Africa. To all other regions there was a reduction in the volume shipped.