The new zero tariff replaces a 150 per cent charge and is expected to lift Brazilian chicken exports to 20,000 tons by the year end, Brazilian ministry of agriculture announced yesterday.

This will quadruple volumes from current standings of 5,000 tons, said secretary of agribusiness and international relations, Marcelo Junqueira.

He added that Mexican health and safety inspectors are due to tour 26 meat plants across the country, potentially enabling the units providing for the Mexican market to increase from the five plants which passed Mexican inspections last year.

"Now they want to adopt a wider range of plants according to the Mexican food standards," said Mr Junqueira.

Interest has also been expressed for Brazilian Turkey meat and fertile eggs. Zero tariffs for up to 100 tons of poultry meat are being debated.