RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – In Brazil, chicken meat sales to the international market – considering all products, between in natura and processed – totaled 4.6 million tons in 2021, the highest volume ever recorded by the sector in a single year, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association, ABPA.
According to ABPA’s survey, in volume of tons, the figure exceeded by 9% the total exported by Brazil in 2020, when 4.23 million tons were shipped.
While in revenue, an increase of 25.7% was recorded, with US$7.66 billion received during the 12 months of 2021, against US$6.09 billion in 2020.
EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN DECEMBER 2021
Considering only December 2021, chicken meat exports totaled 411,000 tons, a figure 7.7% higher than that recorded in the last month of 2020, with 381,700 tons.
In revenues, there was an increase of 29.9%, with US$718.9 million recorded in December 2021, compared to US$533.3 million the previous year.
ABPA’s President, Ricardo Santin, analyzes that “The boost in exports was fundamental to reduce the impacts caused by the rise in production costs, caused by the historical high of corn and soybean, the main inputs in chicken meat production. Despite a slight reduction in imports, China continues to be the main destination for the sector’s exports and should remain so during the coming year. Other major trading partners such as Japan and the United Arab Emirates should also remain among the largest buyers.”
DESTINATIONS FOR BRAZILIAN CHICKEN MEAT EXPORTS
Markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe maintained a high level of Brazilian exports last year.
The main destination for Brazilian poultry exports was Asia, importing 1.64 million tons in the 12 months of 2021, a result 0.5% higher than that recorded in the same period of 2020. China continues to be the leading importer (with 14.3% of the total) and imported 640,000 tons (-4.86%). Other highlights in the region were Japan and the Philippines, which imported, respectively, 448,900 tons (+9.35%) and 168,000 tons (+180%).
As for Africa, 662,300 tons were destined throughout the year, a result 19.2% higher compared to 2020. One of the highlights was South Africa, with 297,000 tons (+13.39%).
To the European Union, in 2021, 193,200 tons were exported, a volume 13.23% higher when compared to the same period in 2020.
Last year, 243,000 tons were shipped to non-EU countries, a figure 20.5% higher compared to the same period in 2020. Russia stands out in the region, with 105,900 tons (+26.24%). Another highlight in the region was the United Kingdom, which imported 92,700 tons (+14%).
To Middle Eastern countries, 1.33 million tons were exported in the 12 months of 2021, down 0.3% compared to the same period in 2020. United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen imported: respectively, 389.5 tons (+28.54%); 353,500 tons (-24.4%), and 111,900 tons (-0.5%).
Finally, 394,400 tons were shipped to the countries of the Americas in 2021, 75.2% higher than in the same period of the previous year.
To conclude, the President of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association, ABPA, stated that:
“In a year of gradual return of economic activity in several parts of the world, the sector has proven to be a reliable partner for food security in several countries. Being present in more than 140 markets always demands the best from the companies in the sector, and for 2022 we expect to continue to grow our share of the world share of chicken meat exports, even more so with the sanitary problems that many of our competitors have been facing”.