Exports to Iran were lower than the previous year, but saw a big increase in June, with a 242% increase compared to May. Russia saw volume fall 3.3% and value fall 5.7%, but experts predicted that an increase in the number of plants authorised to export to the country would increase volumes in the second half of the year.
Overall, Abiec predicted further growth in exports in the second half of 2012. Fernando Sampaio, executive director of Abiec, said: “The expectation for the second half is positive. With the resumption of shipments to Iran, we hope to reach US$6bn in exports forecast for 2012.”
Beef exports were up 2.5% on the same period in 2011 and revenue increased 1.8% to US$2.64bn. Exports to Chile saw the biggest increase, with volumes increasing by 241% between January and June 2012 compared to the same period last year, generating a 260% increase in revenue. Egypt also saw healthy export growth, with a 39% revenue and 41% volume year-on-year increase, as did Hong Kong, with a 32% revenue and 18% volume increase.
