Brazilian exports of cattle beef generated US$ 1.4 billion in the first four months of 2007, an increase of 43.34% when compared to the same period last year, according to information disclosed today, May 7, by the Brazilian Beef Industry and Exporters Association (Abiec).
The volume shipped reached 888,000 tons, growth of 34.93% when compared to the period from January to April 2006.
Russia remained as the main buyer of Brazilian raw beef in the period, having purchased 230,000 tons for US$ 304 million. Egypt, in turn, is still in the second place, with 69,000 tons purchased for US$ 118 million.
Regarding industrialized meat, the United States were the main buyers, with 54,000 tons purchased for US$ 103 million. In second place came the United Kingdom, to where shipments reached 55,000 tons for US$ 58 million.
In April alone, Brazilian exports of cattle beef generated US$ 345 million, an increase of 39.41% when compared to the same month last year. The volume shipped was 212,000 tons, 37.35% more.
"For some time now exporters have been selling special cuts, elaborate products for more demanding markets. The consequence is that we have started winning the price championship, as we have been the leaders in terms of volume since 2003," stated Abiec president Marcus Vinicius Pratini de Moraes, according to a statement disclosed by the organization.
According to the association, one of the main marketing activities developed by the sector are promotional barbecues in buyer countries. The Arab world has been a constant target for this program.
Tomorrow, May 8, according to the Abiec, there will be a barbecue in Amman, the Jordanian capital, and on the 12th, there will be another, in Morocco. This year, other events of the sort have already been organized in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates and in Rome, Italy.
According to the Abiec, to each barbecue, a total of 200 guests are invited, among journalists, importers and government representatives.
Anba