July 4, 2006

Brazil's June meat exports fall year-on-year

Export volume of fresh Brazilian pork, chicken and beef fell in June 2006 compared to June 2005, the Foreign Trade Ministry reported Monday (Jul 3).

Although the Trade Ministry figures do not come with an analysis of the decline, trade bans and changes in consumption patterns because of bird flu in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East are the likely culprits, sources said.

Beef exports managed to rise slightly in June to 107,700 tonnes compared to 106,800 tonnes in May, but down from the 115,100 tonnes in June 2005.

Pork exports fell again, to 34,300 tonnes in June compared to 43,800 tonnes in May and 53,900 tonnes in June 2005.

Over 56 countries have full or partial bans on Brazilian beef because of foot-and-mouth disease in Parana and Mato Grosso do Sul states. To date, the sector has been able to work around the bans by exporting from states permitted to ship internationally. But pork exports have suffered most because Russia, Brazil's leading pork export market, has banned pork from Santa Catarina state, one of Brazil's top two producers, citing its proximity to Parana.

Bird flu fears in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa led to a general decline in chicken consumption among Brazil's main trading partners. Exports for June were 185,200 tonnes compared to 187,000 in May and 237,500 in June 2005.