Brazilian fresh/frozen pork exports were nearly 40% higher in the firt half of 2020 comparted to the same period last year, according to AHDB analyst Bethan Wilkins.
Of the 421,000 tonnes exported, the majority of the increase came from a significant 144% rise in shipments to China, which has been the largest buyer of Brazilian pork since 2018. Volumes totalled 226,000 tonnes.
“The large increase reflects strong demand for imports from China, which continues to face a restricted domestic supply due to African Swine Fever,” Ms Wilkins explained.
Whilst Chinese demand is likely to remain strong throughout the second half of the year, according to Reuters, six Brazilian meat plants have been blocked from exporting to China, reflecting concerns over COVID-19 cases among staff. Two pork plants are among those affected. Ms Wilkins added: “It is not clear how or when this situation will resolve.”
Russia ceased to be a primary market, with its share of Brazilian pork exports decreasing from 9% to virtually zero, at just 81 tonnes,
Ms Wilkins added: “With a 44% rise in the export price, supported by the depreciation of the Real, total Brazilian pork exports were valued at R$5.02 billion, about twice as much as a year earlier.”
