Brazilian exports of chicken meat (considering all products, including fresh and processed) totalled 480.7 thousand tons in April, according to a recent market report from the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA). It is the second best result in the sector's historical series, exceeding by 10.5% the total shipped in the same period in 2023, with 435.1 thousand tons.

In revenue, the increase recorded in April reached 5%, with US$882.2 million resulting from this year's shipments, compared to US$840.3 million in the fourth month of 2023.

In the four months, total exports reached 1.701 million tons, a volume 2.8% lower than the total shipped between January and April 2023, with 1.749 million tons. In the same comparative period, this year's revenue totalled US$3.024 billion, a balance 11.4% lower than the total obtained in the previous year, with US$3.413 billion.

“The performance of chicken meat exports in April rebalances expectations and maintains the sector's positive projections for the year, even in the face of internal adversities, such as Operation Standard," said Ricardo Santin, president of ABPA. 

"On the other hand, we will monitor the effects resulting from the floods in Rio Grande do Sul next month, considering that it is a relevant state for exports," he added. "Companies will maintain resilience in producing, supplying the state and shipping, while focusing on supporting the recovery of communities in Rio Grande do Sul."

The largest importer of chicken meat in Brazil, China imported 57,700 tons in April, 22.9% lower than the total exported in the same period last year. Resuming second place, Japan imported 42.2 thousand tons, a number 5.9% higher, according to the same comparative period. Following the ranking of the five largest destinations are the United Arab Emirates, with 41 thousand tons (+31.9%), Saudi Arabia, with 37.2 thousand tons (+59%) and the Philippines, with 29.4 thousand tons (+35 .7%).

The largest exporter of chicken meat in Brazil, Paraná shipped 196.7 thousand tons in April, a number 5.9% higher than the total recorded in the same comparative period. Next are Santa Catarina, with 103.9 thousand tons (+19.7%), Rio Grande do Sul, with 69.2 thousand tons (+20.4%), São Paulo, with 26 thousand tons (-10. 2%) and Goiás, with 23.2 thousand tons (+15.5%).

“Following the trend of increased demand observed in recent months, the countries of the Middle East continue to be a positive highlight of the year," said Luís Rua, market director at ABPA. "We also see a gradual recovery in prices in all markets throughout this year, which is an important indication of the increase in international demand already observed for the Brazilian product."