Rise in Brazilian beef and poultry exports
The value of Brazilian beef exports increased 27.1% to US$393.7 million in March, compared with US$340.8m in the same month last year. Chicken exports increased 11.4% to US$642.90m, up from US$634.9m in March 2012.
Brazil's chicken exports are likely to be further boosted by Canada’s recent decision to restore export approval for two poultry plants in São Paulo and Minas Gerais. Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) said exports from these plants had been banned since August 2011, following the detection of antibiotics in poultry.
“The re-inclusion of the two establishments for export represents a gesture of confidence in the Brazilian poultry meat inspection system by Canadian veterinary authorities,” said the interim director of the Department of Inspection of Animal Products of MAPA, Judi Nobrega.
However, MAPA said that despite increasing meat exports, domestic consumption remained the biggest driver for meat production growth in the country. A recent study by the Office of Strategic Management revealed that domestic consumption of chicken will account for 68.3% of the total production in 2013, while beef and pork consumption will account for 84.8% and 85.4% respectively.
“Although Brazil is generally a major exporter for various products, domestic consumption is the predominant production target. We will continue to be among the leading exporters and consumers of beef in the world in the coming years,” said MAPA strategic planning coordinator Jose Garcia Gasques.
