December 7, 2012

Brazil witnesses a drop in meat exports for November on the previous month, reflecting sluggish demand for protein globally.

Brazilian beef, chicken and pork exports all slipped on-month, in contrast to Brazilian corn exports, which increased and are tracking at record high levels. 

Brazilian beef exports totalled 82,700 tonnesduring November, declining 18% on the previous month, but up 14% on-year (SECEX).

Faced with higher production costs, primarily due to the higher grain prices, Brazilian chicken meat exports fell 11% on the previous month, to 279,600 tonnes - down 21% on-year. Pork exports decreased 18% during November, to 44,400 tonnes, with Russia maintaining its position as the largest export destination.

The drought in US, a reduction in grain production in Argentina, combined with the depreciation of the Brazilian currency has contributed to a surge in Brazilian corn exports during 2012. During November, Brazilian corn exports rose four-fold on-year, to 3.9 million tonnes.