January 22, 2007

Egypt extends suspension of ban on frozen poultry

Egypt has extended the suspension of a ban on frozen poultry imports for another 3 months, after deciding on the suspension of the ban for 6 months in July last year.

The extension meant that frozen poultry imports are now allowed into the country until the end of March.

Brazilian poultry exports to the country is expected to gain strength with the suspension of the ban. From September to December last year, Brazil shipped US$53.5 million worth of poultry to Egypt.

The extension is an excellent opportunity for Brazilian companies, said the president of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Antonio Sarkis Jr.

Besides frozen chicken, fresh eggs, powdered milk, feed additives, yellow maize, frozen beef and fish are also allowed duty-free.  

Poultry prices were rising rapidly before imports were allowed, as bird flu restrictions affected poultry production in the country. 

According to the commercial consul of Egypt in São Paulo, Mohamed Bakry, most Brazilian slaughter houses are capable of selling meat which conforms to Islamic standards.

He also pointed out the huge trade gap between the two countries: Brazil exported US$1.34 billion worth of products to Egypt last year whereas trade the other way only totaled US$37.7 million.