Following a 2% year-on-year reduction in export volume for the month of June, Brazil’s chicken meat trade for the year to date is 1.6% lower than at the same point in 2023. Meanwhile, Mexico has recently recognized biosecurity certification in Brazil, paving the way for imports of hatching eggs.
Compared with the same period of last year, January-June exports of chicken meat (including fresh and frozen products) were down by 1.6% at just under 2.59 million metric tons. This is according to the Brazilian Association of Animal Production (ABPA). It added that, at almost US$4.64 billion, the revenue from this trade was 10.3% lower year-on-year.
June shipments down to China, Saudi Arabia
Overall, Brazilian chicken meat export volume was 2.3% lower in June than in the same month of last year at 435,900 metric tons (mt). At around US$794 million, receipts for these goods were down by 10.6% compared with the same period.
“The slightly negative fluctuation in comparative shipments in June is not enough to compromise the positive momentum experienced by chicken meat exports,” said ABPA president Ricardo Santin.
He added that Brazil’s exports are generally stronger in the second half of the year.
ABPA market director Luis Rua highlighted the country’s increased shipments to other countries in Latin America, as well as continued strong demand from the Middle East.
Largest shipments to date in 2024 have been to China (276,100 metric tons; mt), United Arab Emirates (UAE; 240,100mt), Japan (214,200mt), and Saudi Arabia (206,000mt). While these shipments are up 20% and 17%, respectively for the UAE and Saudi Arabia, respectively, the trade with China has contracted by 29%, and that for Japan by 3% compared with the figures of one year ago.
The latest reports on global poultry markets highlight a return to a better balance between chicken consumption and production, and expansion in global trade in 2024.
Mexico approves Brazil for supply of day-old chicks
Last week, ABPA reported that the authorities in Mexico has recognized Brazilian documentation for the supply of healthy day-old chicks.
Santin hailed this development as an important achievement for Brazil’s agriculture ministry, and a welcome boost for this value-added sector of the national poultry industry.
Following outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, Mexico had already become the leading destination for Brazilian fertile hatching eggs, according to Rua.
“It’s another seal of approval for Brazil’s biosecurity,” he added.
According to a recent report, exports of poultry genetics by Brazil jumped by nearly 70% in 2023 compared with the previous year.
