Strong Brazilian pig meat exports in the first half of 2021

By Bethan Wilkins

Brazilian pig meat (and offal) exports were up by 19% in the first half of 2021 at 622,300 tonnes.

China, the main export market, was the most significant contributor to this growth and accounted for 48% of the total volume shipped. Trade was up by 29% year-on-year at 296,400 tonnes, as demand from China has so far remained robust. However, opportunities on this market are now expected to start easing back.

The expectation of lower Chinese demand is a concern for Brazilian pork exporters. Nonetheless, there has been growth in shipments to other markets too. Exports to Chile almost doubled, at 31,000 tonnes. Similarly, pig meat exports to Venezuela were four times higher, totalling 19,300 tonnes.

The OIE recently declared some additional Brazilian states free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. According to Rabobank, this means that 47% of the pig herd is now free from vaccination. This increases the potential opportunities for Brazil to export to more demanding, high-value markets such as Japan and South Korea. Ultimately, this may lead to more widespread competition from Brazilian pork for European exporters, which are currently key suppliers to these markets.

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