The Brazilian government is negotiating an increase of chicken export quotas to the United Kingdom, Ricardo Santin, head of meat lobby ABPA, told a news conference on Wednesday. ABPA, which represents large meatpackers like BRF and JBS, said Brazil is also trying to start exporting pork products to Canada, adding an agreement to access that market is imminent. Brazil's overall chicken and pork production as well as exports are expected to grow this year and the next, even as the sector continues to face a steep rise in corn and soybean prices, which impact the cost of feed.
Brazil's ABPA said the industry got some relief from a reduction of Brazil's corn exports this year, and the removal of duties on corn imports, as this helped reduce a domestic supply shortage. Brazilian internal corn prices rose by 154% and soy prices increased by 133% between January 2019 and August 2021, ABPA said.