February 6, 2020

Brazil trade group Abiec says China demand has increased beef exports

January's Brazil beef exports is up 9.84%, totalling 135,375 tonnes and generating US$633.25 million in sales, reported Reuters.

Antônio Camardelli, Abiec president said these results are in line with growth estimates for 2020.

Shipments to China accounted for 53,200 tonnes, a 126% increase compared to January 2019 and generating US$322.8 million in sales. China has approved additional meat sources globally to supplement dwindling stocks caused by the African swine fever outbreak.

ABPA, an association representing poultry and pork processors said Brazilian companies have benefitted as the country is a safe meat source. It has no prior history of African swine fever or bird flu cases.

JBS SA and BRF SA, major meatpackers in Brazil, said the coronavirus outbreak could result in growing demand from China for more products such as frozen and processed foods.

The China government had launched several initaitives to boost its local livestock industry, but a lockdown on Hubei has meant millions of chickens are unable to feed. Wuhan city in Hubei province is the heart of the coronavirus outbreak.

-      Reuters