Brazilian beef exports remain unaffected by Covid-19 pandemic: ABIEC

Brazilian beef exports are expected to create new records in terms of volume and value despite the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19), according to the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) president Antônio Camardelli.

No beef processing plant has been closed in the country due to the pandemic, and China’s demand for Brazilian beef so far has been strong, reported Reuters.

Camardelli stated that during the first four months of this year, the country exported 202,000 tonnes of beef products to China, which is an increase of 111% from the same period last year, and generated revenues of $1.1bn.

By the end of this year, Camardelli estimates that $8bn revenues will be generated through exports, an increase from $7.65bn registered in 2019.

He further anticipates that the beef export volumes could reach 2 million tonnes this year, which will be almost 130,000 tonnes more than the previous year.

ABIEC president also added that the Brazilian beef is yet to reach 40% of importing countries such as Japan, South Korea, Mexico and Canada, which pay the best prices.

Last September, the Chinese government reportedly authorised 25 Brazilian meatpacking plants for the import of meat products.

Out of the 25 facilities that were offered the license to export to China, 17 were for beef products and six for chicken products.

One facility was authorised to export pork and the other for donkey meat.