Brazilian exports of chicken reached US$5.56 billion from January to October this year, representing growth of 15.96 per cent over the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Brazilian Poultry Union (Ubabef). ANBA reports that nearly 3.2 million tonnes were shipped, a 4.36 per cent increase using the same basis of comparison.

In October alone, export sales reached $605 million, a 7.16 per cent increase compared with the same month of 2009. Shipments totalled 333,000 tonnes, 0.73 per cent less than in October 2009.

According to Ubabef, the appreciation of the real against the US dollar has a negative effect on international prices and shipped volume, but the volume of shipments this year should be a record nonetheless.