May 19, 2015

Russia, Europe top importers of Brazilian pork in Q1

Russia remained as the biggest importer of Brazilian pork as it purchased 50,600 tonnes during the first quarter, or 7.6% more than it did in the same period last year.

Data from the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), however, showed that revenues realized from the increased shipment to Russia were lower by 14.9% at US$136.9 million compared with those in 2014.

In all, Brazil's pork exports during the first quarter decreased by 14.1% to 134,800 tonnes. In terms of revenue, which totalled $319.6 million, the decline was even greater at 23%.

Francisco Turra, chief executive of ABPA, was hopeful that the export flow "could again be positive in the coming months", judging from the April figures whose percentage decline slowed down to 3.3% in terms of volume and 21.7% in terms of revenue.

By region, Europe remained as the top importer of Brazilian pork, which totalled 51,700 tonnes, or a 5.6% decline, followed by Asia which imported 47,900 tonnes (17.6% decline) and the Americas with 15,900 tonnes (3.3% decrease).