São Paulo – The Middle East was once again the leading market for Brazilian chicken abroad. Exports totalled 1.1 million tonnes in 2008, representing growth of 13% in comparison with 2007. Shipments to the region totalled US$ 1.9 billion, 46% more than in the previous year. The figures were disclosed last Tuesday (13) by the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef).
In total, Brazil sold 3.6 million tonnes of chicken to foreign countries in 2008, growth of 11% over 2007. The sector posted revenues of US$ 6.9 billion from exports, growth of 40%. According to the Abef, the annual performance was a record high, but could have been even better if the international crisis had not worsened in the second half.
After the Middle East, the region that bought the Brazilian product the most was Asia. Shipments to the continent totalled 936,000 tonnes last year, growth of 15% in comparison with 2007. Revenues from sales reached US$ 1.9 billion, 62% more than in the previous year. The Abef underscored the opening of the Chinese and Indian markets as one of the most positive facts for the sector in 2008.
The third leading destination was the European Union, to where 526,000 tonnes were shipped, representing a reduction of 6% over 2007. Revenues from sales to the region totalled US$ 1.4 billion, growth of 8% in comparison with the previous year.
The market that grew the most, and the fourth leading market in absolute terms, was South America. A total of 329,000 tonnes were exported by Brazil to neighbouring countries, 90% more than in 2007. Sales generated revenues of US$ 557 million, growth of 157%.
To Africa, 250,000 tonnes were shipped, a reduction of 4.5% compared with 2007. Revenues from sales to the continent were US$ 269 million, growth of 15%. Russia, in turn, imported 159,000 tonnes, 18% less than in the previous year. Revenues from exports to the country totalled US$ 309 million, growth of 3.6%.
The Abef informs that there is no crisis in demand for food, but rather a liquidity crisis in some important markets. Therefore, the organisation forecasts a smaller growth din export volume in 2009, of around 5%.
The association also disclosed that it will work hard to open up new markets during the year. Priorities include Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jamaica, the Philippines, Senegal and Algeria.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
