The Middle East continued to be the leading market for Brazilian exports in 2009. There was also growth in shipments to Africa although sales volumes to other countries declined, reports the Arab-Brazil news agency (ANBA).

Once again, the Middle East was the main buyer market worldwide for Brazilian chicken. In total, 1.4 million tonnes were shipped to the region last year, representing growth of 22.7 per cent compared with 2008. Revenues from exports totalled US$1.9 billion, growth of 0.5 per cent. The figures were disclosed yesterday (14 January) by the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef).

Overall, foreign sales of chicken recorded a decline in 2009, in both volume and revenues. The only regions to which there was an increase were the Middle East and Africa. To the African continent, shipments totalled 422,000 tonnes last year, an increase of 22.2 per cent over 2008. Revenues totalled US$ 439 million, growth of 13 per cent.

There was a reduction in exports to Asia, which is the second main destination, to the European Union, which is the third, and to the Americas, which are the fifth largest market, after Africa, which is the fourth.

Overall sales generated revenues of US$5.8 billion in 2009, growth of 16.33 per cent in comparison with 2008. Shipments totalled 3.63 million tonnes, representing a reduction of 0.3 per cent.

According to a press release issued by the Abef, sales declined due to the retraction of international economy, prompted by the financial crisis. Aside from the reduction in product pricing, there was a decrease in orders placed by markets considered important, such as Russia, Japan and Venezuela.

The association also explains that the appreciation of the real against the dollar over the course of last year was detrimental to exports, as it took away competitiveness from Brazilian chicken, price-wise, and reduced companies' profitability.