September 7, 2006

 

Argentina's January-July poultry exports up seven percent

 

 

Argentina's poultry exports from January to July rose seven percent in dollar terms from the same period last year, the animal and plant inspection agency, SENASA, reported Wednesday (Sep 6).

 

Argentina exported US$63.723 million worth of poultry during the period. Export volume totalled 59,964 tonnes, up 3 percent from the same period last year.

 

The principal markets for Argentine fresh poultry during the first seven months of the year were Chile (10,888 tonnes), South Africa (4,866 tonnes), and Germany (2,459 tonnes).

 

China purchased US$7.041 million (8,288 tonnes) worth of poultry subproducts, while Hong Kong purchased US$6.4 million (8,584 tonnes).

 

Germany was the principal market for processed poultry, buying 853 tonnes valued at US$2.65 million. Holland purchased 810 tonnes valued at US$2.284 million.

 

In 2005, Argentina exported 108,809 tonnes of poultry, valued at US$120.65 million, the highest levels in a decade, according to SENASA.

 

Argentina is a relatively minor player in the international poultry trade. However, Argentina's poultry industry has been growing quickly because of increased demand at home and abroad. Argentina is expected to produce a record 1.18 million tonnes of poultry in 2006, according to the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service.

 

Domestic consumption will account for one million tonnes while exports will total 150,000 tonnes.

 

The Argentine Poultry Processors Business Centre, or CEPA, says exports could rise to 500,000 tonnes by 2010.

 

Rising exports have led companies to spend more than US$60 million in bird housing, processing facilities, grain storage capacity and feed mills, among other things, over the past year, the FAS has reported.

 

Argentina has competitive advantages over other exporters which include lower production, labour and energy costs.