Marina Sarruf*
São Paulo – The Middle East played an important part in the expansion of Brazilian chicken exports in the month of August. This statement was made by the president of the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef), Ricardo Gonçalves. Total shipments of the product last month reached 299,150 tonnes, which represented an increase of 12.7% when compared to August 2005. Foreign sales totalled US$ 339.34 million, 0.42% over the volume registered in the same period last year.
"The month of August was the best month last year for Brazilian exports," stated Gonçalves. From January to August this year, foreign sales of chicken totalled US$ 2 billion, a reduction of 7.75% when compared to the first eight months of 2005. Shipments totalled 1.72 million tonnes, which represented a reduction of 8.13% when compared to the same period last year. According to Gonçalves, the reduction of foreign sales of the product is still due to cases of avian flu in Asia, Europe and Africa in the beginning of the year.
Gonçalves pointed out that Brazilian chicken exports to the Middle East grew 155% when compared to July this year. A total of 85,780 tonnes of the product were shipped last month. Foreign sales to the Arab countries generated US$ 80.88 million in August, an increase of 168% when compared to July 2006. "The Middle East has improved its position due to Ramadan," stated Gonçalves. During the holy month, which this year goes from September 22 to October 21, the Muslims fast during the day and feast at night.
January to August
From January to August this year, the main consumer market for Brazilian chicken was Asia, which imported 498,920 tonnes, an increase of just 0.6% over their purchases in the same period last year. Exports to the region generated US$ 604.67 million, a reduction of 5.3% when compared to the first eight months of 2005.
The second greatest market, in terms of volume, in turn, was the Middle East, which imported 449,640 tonnes, a reduction of 19.4% when compared to the same period last year. Exports to the region brought in US$ 472.8 million. In third place came the European market, with imports of 355,000 tonne and revenues of US$ 556.2 million.
*Translated by Mark Ament