A total of 559,000 tons of chicken meat were shipped to the Middle Eastern market from January to June, growth of 21% over the same period in 2007. Revenues grew at an even greater rate (69%) and reached US$ 969 million in the first six months this year.
In total, Brazil exported 1.8 million tons in the half, 19% more than in the period from January to June 2007. The shipments generated US$ 3.4 billion, an increase of 58% over the first six months of last year.
The Abef believes that the performance in the second half of the year should remain positive. However, according to the organization, the sector profitability is being reduced due to the appreciation of the Brazilian real against the dollar and to the higher price of inputs used in the activity.
Asia was the second main destination for Brazilian chicken in the first half. Sales to the region generated US$ 850 million, growth of 61% over the same period in 2007. Shipments totaled 454,000 tons, an increase of 61%.
The European Union was the third main buyer, with imports of US$ 764 million, 32% more than in the first half of last year. Trade totaled 283,000 tons, growth of 4%.
The other countries in South America are in the fourth position with purchases of US$ 242 million, an increase of 155% over the first six months of 2007. Exports totaled 151,000 tons, growth of 88%.
Africa comes in the fifth position. The countries of the continent imported 127,000 tons, 12% more than in the period from January to June last year. Revenues reached US$ 125 million, an increase of 29%.
The sixth main market was Russia. Shipments to that country totaled 87,000 tons, 2% less than in the same period in 2007. Exports generated US$ 169 million, growth of 46%.
In terms of values, chicken cuts were the products most exported in the half (US$ 1.8 billion), followed by whole chickens (US$ 1 billion), salted chicken (US$ 336 million) and processed chicken (US$ 249 million).
Anba