April 8, 2013

Brazil's chicken exports drop 7.5% in Q1 2013

In the first quarter of this year, Brazil's volume of chicken shipments dropped 7.5% compared to the same period last year, totalling 901,200 tonnes between January and March 2013.

According to figures released by the Brazilian Poultry Union (UBABEF), revenues also increased 9.2% during the same period, totalling US$1.930 billion.

The survey shows that in March 2013, chicken meat exports totalled 319,700 tonnes, 12.1% lower compared to the same period last year, with 363,000 tonnes. In terms of revenue, there was a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to March 2012.

UBABEF CEO, Francisco Turra, said that the March 2012 shipment was atypical because the result was exceptionally above average, where the figures stood at 326,000 tonnes.

According to Turra, Japan and Saudi Arabia were the most significant importers of Brazilian chicken meat during March 2012-March 2013. The two countries kept good import volumes to ensure adequate local stock.

Among the countries with reduced imports of Brazilian chicken are Venezuela and South Africa. Sales to Venezuela declined due to political instability in the country while sales to South Africa dwindled because of anti-dumping issues between the country and Brazil.

Exports to China also dropped due to "documental" issues, according to Ubabef. Sales to the EU were down as a result of a quota regime set up by the bloc.