Middle East Tops List for Brazilian Exports in '08

BRAZIL - The region was the leading market for the sector in 2008. Exports to Middle Eastern countries totalled 1.1 million tonnes, growth of 13% over 2007. Sales totalled US$ 1.9 billion, growth of 46 per cent.
calendar icon 15 January 2009
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The Middle East was once again the leading market for Brazilian chicken abroad. Exports totalled 1.1 million tonnes in 2008, representing growth of 13% in comparison with 2007. Shipments to the region totalled US$ 1.9 billion, 46 per cent more than in the previous year. The figures were disclosed recently by the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef).

In total, Brazil sold 3.6 million tonnes of chicken to foreign countries in 2008 – growth of 11 per cent over 2007. The sector posted revenues of US$ 6.9 billion from exports, growth of 40 per cent. According to the Abef, the annual performance was a record high, but could have been even better if the international crisis had not worsened in the second half.

After the Middle East, the region that bought the Brazilian product the most was Asia. Shipments to the continent totalled 936,000 tonnes last year, growth of 15 per cent in comparison with 2007. Revenues from sales reached US$ 1.9 billion, 62 per cent more than in the previous year. The Abef underscored the opening of the Chinese and Indian markets as one of the most positive facts for the sector in 2008.

The third leading destination was the European Union, to where 526,000 tonnes were shipped, representing a reduction of 6 per cent over 2007. Revenues from sales to the region totalled US$ 1.4 billion, growth of 8 per cent in comparison with the previous year.

The market that grew the most, and the fourth leading market in absolute terms, was South America. A total of 329,000 tonnes were exported by Brazil to neighbouring countries, 90 per cent more than in 2007. Sales generated revenues of US$ 557 million, growth of 157 per cent.

To Africa, 250,000 tonnes were shipped, a reduction of 4.5 per cent compared with 2007. Revenues from sales to the continent were US$ 269 million, growth of 15 per cent. Russia, in turn, imported 159,000 tonnes, 18 per cent less than in the previous year. Revenues from exports to the country totalled US$ 309 million, growth of 3.6 per cent.

Abef says that there is no crisis in demand for food but rather a liquidity crisis in some important markets. Therefore, the organisation forecasts a smaller growth in export volume in 2009, of around 5 per cent.

The association also disclosed that it will work hard to open up new markets during the year. Priorities include Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jamaica, the Philippines, Senegal and Algeria.

Brazilian exports of poultry meat (2008)
(Source = Abef)
Destination Volume Value (US$)
Middle East 1.1 billion (+13%) 1.9 billion (+46%)
Asia 936 million (+15%) 1.9 billion (+62%)
European Union 526 million (-6%) 1.4 billion (+8%)
South America 329 million (+90%) 557 million (+157%)
Africa 250 million (-4%) 269 million (+15%)
Russia 159 million (-18%) 309 million (+3.6%)
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