February 19, 2010

Brazilian meat exports to Arab states on a rise

Brazil has increased its revenues with exports to the Arab countries by 38% in January, with the meat sector taking a considerable share of it.

January sales to Arab countries rose to US$549.4 million from US$397.5 million in the same month last year, with the increase greatly attributed to sugar, chicken and beef.

In the sugar and meat sectors alone, the growth was US$186 million. Chicken sales grew 45% to US$140 million, while beef increased 54% to US$56 million. The improvement in the global economy boosted exports of beef in January, according to Eduardo Sampaio, director of the Agribusiness International Promotion Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply.

Saudi Arabia increased its Brazilian imports by US$20 million, and the Emirates by US$22 million. Egypt scored the highest increase – up 112% to US$46 million.

Great growth in purchases was also identified in Iraq. The country spent US$44.8 million in Brazilian agribusiness products, with growth of 453% over January last year, when the country's imports totalled US$8 million. In this case, sugar and meats also boosted the performance.