Brazil anticipates a 62% increase in egg exports in 2024, driven by U.S. price inflation caused by avian flu. While exports will remain under 1% of national production, international demand, particularly from the U.S., is rising. Domestic consumption is also expected to grow despite increasing prices.
Brazil is poised to significantly increase its egg exports by 62% in 2024, reaching 30,000 tonnes, as a direct response to egg price inflation in the United States. This inflation, driven by an outbreak of avian flu affecting local production, has opened opportunities for Brazilian exporters. Nevertheless, it is important to note that these exports will still constitute less than 1% of Brazil’s overall egg production.
In 2023, Brazil exported 18,400 tonnes of eggs, which accounted for merely 0.86% of the national output. Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), emphasized that while the anticipated growth in exports is notable, it remains modest in relation to national production levels, describing it as a “very low volume.”
Brazil currently holds the authorization to export processed eggs to the United States, which can be transformed into liquid or powdered forms for human consumption. Santin clarified, “For now, you cannot send Brazilian eggs directly to supermarket shelves in the U.S.” He highlighted that these processed products are integral to the food manufacturing sector, used in items like pasta and bread, rather than being sold directly to consumers.
As prices surge in the U.S., the Department of Justice is investigating potential price manipulation within the market. Reports indicate that authorities are questioning whether certain companies have engaged in anti-competitive behavior contributing to these price increases or resultant supply shortages.
The demand for Brazilian eggs is also rising in other international markets, including the United Arab Emirates and Angola, according to Mr. Santin. Furthermore, Brazil’s egg production is on track to grow by 2.4% in 2025, totaling 59 billion units, with January alone witnessing the production of 5.9 billion eggs. During this month, exports made up only 0.9% of the total production.
Despite the ongoing rise in egg prices, ABPA projects a continual increase in per capita consumption, predicting that Brazilian consumption will average 272 eggs per person this year, reflecting a 1.1% growth relative to 2024.
In conclusion, Brazil’s projected export growth of 62% in 2024 is primarily driven by rising egg prices in the United States due to avian flu disruptions. While exports remain a small fraction of domestic production, increased international demand, particularly from the U.S., the UAE, and Angola, presents significant opportunities. Additionally, despite price fluctuations, domestic consumption is expected to increase, indicating a positive trend for Brazil’s egg industry.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
