June 17, 2004

Brazil's Poultry Exports Hit All-time Record In May

Brazil's poultry exports in May hit an all-time record of $221.4 million, with shipments totaling 206,400 tonnes, the Brazilian Chicken Exporters Association (Abef) said Wednesday.

On the year, exports rose 93% in financial terms and 60% in volume.

Abef attributed the result to "rising sales to Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and Middle East, as well as increased demand in the wake of sanitary problems faced by rival exporters.

Poultry exports between January and May amounted to $927.03 million, up 52.5% from the same period last year.

Shipments in the first five months of the year totaled 872,182 tonnes, representing a 15% increase.

Abef reported that January-to-May sales to Europe fell 12% on the year, and fell 72% to Mercosur partners. Sales rose 10.5% to the Middle East, 44% to Africa and 30% to Asia.