Brazil's Poultry Exports to China Rising
BRAZIL / CHINA - Three-quarters of the poultry meat imported into China in 2011 came from Brazil and volumes continue to rise.The market for poultry with China increases every year since the start of exports in 2009, according to Brazil's Agriculture Ministry. The volume increased from 24,000 tons that year to 196,000 tons in 2011. The numbers show that Brazil accounted for 74 per cent of trade in poultry meat to China this year. Data relating to last year were not disclosed.
Secretary of International Relations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Celio Porto, reported that the market in China is increasing pace.
"Everything indicates that we will increase the number of exports to the country," he said.
Mr Porto added that trade with China is interesting because its demand is complementary; the Chinese also consume parts of the bird that are little appreciated in Brazil.
He said: Demand in our country is for quality breast, thigh and drumstick. As the Chinese buy the parts that are not used to consuming, trade with China complements the sector."
According to the secretary, the government has made a deal with the Chinese authorities over the approval of facilities that were not visited by the Chinese mission.
"That means we will audit and send documents to China proving that the cold store meets Chinese standards. If they approve, the facility will be approved for exports," he said.
Until March last year, 24 Brazilian businesses were eligible to export poultry meat to China. Recently, the country has approved five more stores - one each in São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul and three in Santa Catarina.