The volume of eggs exported by Brazil last year contracted by 1.4 percent to 12,200 tons, reports the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA). Sales by value, however, experienced an even greater fall, dropping by 20.6 percent to US$16.8 million.
“The sector’s performance was particularly affected by Angola’s import suspension, which took place in March and April. The country restarted imports in May, but at lower levels than previously,” said Francisco Turra, ABPA executive president.
Difficulties for the sector were centered on trade with Africa.
Egg exports to Angola, at 1,290 tons, were 71 percent lower last year, and Brazil’s total exports to Africa contracted by 69 percent both in value and volume terms.
While exports to Africa may have contracted, exports to the Middle East rose, establishing the region as the main client for Brazilian eggs. Shipments reached 9,110 tons, an increase of 67 percent, and rose by value to US11.4 million, an increase of 47 percent.
According to Ricardo Santin, ABPA vice-president, reduced demand from Africa was somewhat compensated for by growing imports from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
2014 ended on a more positive note, however, for Brazil’s egg exporters. December saw the volume of eggs exported increase by 112 percent to 2,200 tons, while by value, the country’s egg imports increased by 92.8 percent to reach US$2.8 million.
