São Paulo – Brazil should see a 3% to 4% in poultry export volume in 2015. The estimate is from the CEO of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), Francisco Turra, who told ANBA demand for Brazilian product is on the way up because over 30 producing countries are struggling with avian flu outbreaks, unlike Brazil.
“We were aware that the time would come for us to reap our investments and the care we had in prioritizing excellence in production. It took a while for demand to grow because at first, some of the buying countries (that had to find alternative suppliers) did not opt for chicken meat. Now, however, they are setting out searching for areas where there’s excellence in production, and we fit the bill,” said Turra.
According to the ABPA CEO, China, Russia, and even Mexico, which has a trade agreement in place with the United States, are stepping up their imports of Brazilian poultry. He also cited Arab and Muslim countries. “They are aware of our attention and care, and of the fact that we provide training [so that their demands can be met,” he said.
ABPA reported last week that in June, the industry shipped a record-high volume of poultry: 395,700 tons, up 30% from June 2014. Last month’s sales helped offset the poor performance seen through May. In the first half, exports reached 1.99 million tons, up 2% from H1 last year.
“Even when we were seeing negative growth, I kept saying we would grow 3% to 4% in 2015, and I believe this growth rate will be sustained. I envision a great second-half scenario,” he asserted. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Russia and China were the leading buyers of Brazilian poultry in June.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
