According to USDA-FAS GAIN Report BR2024-0002, Brazil will increase broiler production to 15.10 million metric tons (33.22 million lbs.) of RTC, an increase of 1.3 percent over 2023. Of this total, 33.0 percent will be exported amounting to 4.975 million metric tons (10.94 million lbs.) or an increase of 4.3 percent over 2023. Assuming a population of 220 million, domestic per capita consumption will be 46.0 kg (101.3 lb.).
The GAIN Report noted that in 2023, feed cost representing 68 percent of live-bird cost declined by 22 percent with a corresponding 14 percent drop in chick cost representing 15 percent of live bird cost. The major increase was a 13 percent rise in the cost of electrical power that represented 2.5 percent of live bird cost.
With regard to exports, Brazil introduced electronic certification for the E.U. that will expedite approval of shipments and reduce cost. The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) noted expansion into new markets including Israel, the Pacific Islands and Algeria. In the case of this nation, Brazil donated 10,000 metric tons of chicken meat as a humanitarian gesture and to gain a foothold in the market.
For 2023, the top importers of chicken from Brazil comprised China (14 %); UAE (9%); Japan (9%); Saudi Arabia (8%) and South Africa (7%).
Brazil has apparently benefited from its status as “free of avian influenza in commercial farms”.
This situation is questioned since the nation reported 158 cases of H5N1 HPAI in backyard flocks and wild birds but miraculously none in commercial flocks. Eight states reported HPAI including all the major broiler producing areas.