Brazilian egg exports to the Arab world posted significant growth. In the first quarter this year, US$ 9.8 million in shell eggs were shipped to the region, as against US$ 114,600 during the same period in 2007, the Arab Gulf being the main importer region. In all, foreign sales of the Brazilian product totalled US$ 13.3 million in the first three months of 2008.

The secretary general at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Michel Alaby, stated that there is a shortage of the product in the region due to problems with traditional suppliers. "I believe that it is a consequence of the sanitary issue in Asia," he said.

On a trip to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in late February, representatives of the Arab Brazilian Chamber and of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture noticed a large demand for eggs, caused by cases of avian flu in Asian countries, which led to the suspension of imports by Gulf nations.

"We are making it public that there are opportunities available for Brazilian producers in exports of both shell and liquid eggs," stated Alaby. Processed eggs, such as the liquid variety, were also sold to the region. In the first quarter, exports totalled US$ 122,400, whereas in the same period last year there were no exports whatsoever.

Shipments of eggs for incubation also posted growth, from US$ 985,000 in the first quarter of 2007 to US$ 2.17 million in the same period this year.

The United Arab Emirates led purchases of Brazilian eggs. Exports of shelled eggs to the country stood at US$ 6.18 million in the first quarter, as against US$ 68,640 in the same period last year. Next up come Oman, with purchases of US$ 1.55 million, Qatar, with US$ 1.16 million, and Kuwait, with US$ 815,000.

Alaby called attention to the fact that other Arab markets can be explored by Brazilian exporters, such as that of Algeria, "which is virgin territory", and where the Algiers International Fair is going to be held next June, counting on a stand of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.