New opportunities in Pakistan and Malaysia had a particular effect on the pace of shipments, said Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) chief executive, Francisco Turra.

Losses were largely negated through a total shipment seven per cent higher than March 2014 at 348,900 tons.

In Brazilian currency terms, the performance is stronger, according to ABPA, although it was down 4.3 per cent in US dollar terms.

Overall, the trade is worth 11.6 per cent more at R$4.581 billion.

Mr Turra said: “Obviously, the industry should remain cautious in flow management and front demand to internal challenges we have this year, with the fiscal adjustments."