January 14, 2005

Brazil's Poultry Exports Up 44% Due To Strong Demand In Asia, Middle East

Brazilian poultry exports yielded US$ 2.6 billion last year, an increase of 44% compared with 2003. In volume, 2.470 million tons of poultry were shipped between January and December 2004.

The volume of poultry exported meant an increase of 26% in relation to the same period in 2003, according to information of the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef).

According to Julio Cardoso, president of the Abef, the revenue increased mainly due to the increase in exports of chicken cuts, which in this segment has the highest added value.

The revenue of the product last year reached US$ 1.7 billion, an increase of 55% in relation to 2003.

"The big deal was chicken cuts," stated Cardoso.

Brazil's main market for poultry was Asia, which became the main buyer in terms of revenue for the first time, with a total of US$ 746.5 million in 2004, an increase of 82% in value.

The Middle East was the region that bought most poultry in terms of volume, a total of 750,000 tons and US$ 672.5 million in revenue.

The European Union bought US$ 469.4 million and Russia US$ 159.7 million.