The Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef) recently reports that there was a 44.3% increase in export growth to the Middle East compared to January and February last year, with export value of US$309.1 million.

The Middle East is the main consumer market for Brazilian chicken. According to Abef, the country shipped 197,600 tonnes to the region, amounting to 12.3 percent growth from last year figures.

The global foreign sales of chicken hit US$884.9 million in revenues, totalling 515,000 tonnes, which spells a 12.2% rise over the first half in 2009.

Francisco Turra, Abef's president, said that "the expansion in revenues is a good result for the sector this year, as there was a 16% reduction in 2009." However, he added that an absolute international financial stability is not guaranteed.

Sales to Asia and Africa have also increased whereas shipping volumes to all other regions have dropped.