Shipments totalled 3.233 million tons between January and October, an increase of 1.5 per cent over the same period last year, when they were 3.184 million tons.

In October,there was an increase of 17.1 per cent in revenue, which reached $707.73 million, and 0.7 per cent in volume – a total of 335,730 tons – compared to October 2010.

The Middle East remained the main buyer of Brazilian chicken, with 1.178 million tons between January and October this year. Next came Asia, which imported 932,000 tons in the period.

Third largest importer, the EU accounted for 407,000 tons. In fourth place, Africa shipments reached 383,000 tons. The Americas came next, importing, 234 000 tons.

Among the Brazilian exporting states, Santa Catarina has remained the leader in October, with 98,900 tons and revenue of $234.1 million. Second largest exporter, Paraná was responsible for 88,700 tons, and $179.2 million. The Rio Grande do Sul, in third place, exported 58,900 tons, with revenue of $112.5 million. Sao Paulo, the fourth largest exporter, totalled 24,000 tons ($49.6 million). In the fifth, Mato Grosso shipped 20,800 tons, worth $43 million.

According to the CEO of UBABEF, Francisco Turra, revenue growth in Brazilian exports of chicken meat was helped in recent weeks by the high dollar.

"However, the uncertainties of the global market are signalling a decrease in international demand for the product," he said.