The estimates were revised after shipments in November dropped to 220,000 tons, against 299,000 tons in the same month last year. According to a press statement release by the Abef, the organization's president, Francisco Turra, pointed out as negative factors the international crisis.
"The international crisis reached several buyer markets, like Russia, Japan and some countries in the Middle East. And Advances on Exchange Contracts (ACCs) have become more expensive and more difficult," said Turra. "In general, the performance for 2008 was very positive, but it could have been better," he state.
Brazil is a global leader in exports of chicken and the main market is the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, Yemen and Oman are among the main Arab destinations for the Brazilian product.
According to a press statement by the Abef, the first quarter of 2009 should present a hard scenario for the sector, causing a reduction of between 10% and 15% in poultry production. However, the president of the organization said that in the following months there should be recovery, generating growth of 5% in volumes shipped.
Despite the complicated scenario, the organization says it is going to continue seeking new markets in 2009 and should make shipments to India and China.
Anba