Brazilian exports of chicken grew 3.2 per cent in volume in the first eight months of this year as against the same period last year and the Middle East was the main destination for products. This information was disclosed by the Brazilian Poultry Union (Ubabef) and reported by ANBA. The export volume reached 2.59 million tonnes and revenues totalled US$5.3 billion, with expansion of 23.1 per cent.

Individually, in August shipments totalled 354,300 tonnes, up 1.8 per cent as against the same month last year. Shipments generated revenues of $711.5 million, 15.6 per cent more than in the same period in 2010. To the Middle East, sales reached 140,000 tonnes, growth of 27.4 per cent. Export revenues to the region reached $256.5 million, with expansion of 22.1 per cent.

Asia was the second main destination, with imports of 90,000 tonnes, reduction of 1.6 per cent, and revenues of US$ 182.2 million, reduction of 11.8 per cent. The third main destination was the European Union, with 47,200 tonnes and growth of 7.6 per cent, and revenues of US$ 147.1 million, growth of 5.9 per cent.

The president at Ubabef, Francisco Turra, commented: "Once again, despite the deceleration of growth, it may be noticed that the main markets still have demand and that the dollar [versus Brazilian real exchange rate] is still reducing competitiveness. If the real was not so appreciated, the balance would be another, as would the export volume."