July 15, 2009

Brazil's chicken exports dipped 1.9 percent in the first half of 2009 compared to the same period a year ago, the Brazilian chicken exporters association, or Abef, said Tuesday (July 14).

 

Brazilian chicken exports reached 1.80 million tonnes in January-June 2009 versus 1.84 million tonnes in the same period last year, Abef said in a press release.

 

Revenues, however, plunged 20 percent to US$3.3 billion in January-June, compared to US$2.6 billion the same period last year, the association said.

 

Although volumes remain stable, the fall in the dollar against the Brazilian real as well as high costs such as for animal feed have reduced chicken exporters' incomes, according to Abef.

 

Abef said Saudi Arabia was the largest importer of Brazilian chickens in the period, accounting for 231,157 tonnes, up 33 percent compared to the same period last year. Hong Kong was in second place and Japan in third.

 

Brazil's southern states of Santa Catarina and Parana were the two largest exporters. They accounted for 502,948 tonnes and 473,920 tonnes of chicken, respectively, in the six-month period.

 

Abef said Brazil's chicken exports in June reached 329,013 tonnes compared to 330,125 tonnes in the same month a year ago and 303,767 tonnes in May.

 

Brazil is the world's No. 1 chicken exporter.