Diversification of importers leads Brazil to new pork export record

China remains the largest importer of pork from Brazil, with 49,500 tons shipped in the first 2 months of this year, a 32% reduction compared to the previous year.

However, other destinations compensated the drop with growth. The Philippines purchased 25,700 tons (+208.1%), Chile received 19,100 tons (+41.3%), Hong Kong registered 18,500 tons (+23.5%), and Singapore demanded 11,400 tons (+39%).

“There is a new configuration in international sales of pork from Brazil. The Chinese market reduced with increase from other destinations”, analysed Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).

Product shipments grew 17.6% in the first 2 months of 2024 in comparison to same period last year.

According to ABPA, the country sold 197,500,000 tonnes against 167,900,000 in the comparison by volume.

As for revenue, the first 2 months of 2024 saw an increase of 1.9% with US$ 404.8 million compared to US$ 397.7 million in January and February 2023.

Best February in history

Brazil recorded the best month of February in history, approaching 100,000 tons for the first time. “This is an important indication of the behaviour the sector should maintain throughout this year.”

The expressive result is mainly due to February, when shipments totaled 97,800 tons. The number exceeds the total shipped in the same period in 2023 by 24.4%, with 78,600 tons.

Luís Rua, ABPA markets director, analysed, “The capillarity of pork exports increased this year. For the first time, even on the rise, sales to Hong Kong were surpassed by two other destinations, the Philippines and Chile, nations from different regions that have been significantly increasing their demand for the Brazilian product.”