Paraná records 2 million tonnes of meat exported for the 1st time

For the first time, Brazil’s state of Paraná has exceeded two million tonnes of meat exported in a single year, according to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services analyzed by the Paraná Institute of Economic and Social Development (Ipardes). In 2022, the state exported 2.087 million tonnes of meat, surpassing the previous record of 1.985 million tonnes set in 2021. This represents a 70% growth compared to 2013, when the export volume had been 1.221 million tonnes.

This record-breaking volume has propelled the state’s animal protein sales to international markets, reaching US$ 4.2 billion in 2022, up from R$ 2.7 billion in 2020, marking a 53% growth in just two years. Ten years ago, in 2013, this amount stood at R$ 2.3 billion.

The chart below displays exports of beef, pork, poultry, and fish from the Parana-based ports of Paranagua and Antonina between Jan 2019 and Mar 2023. The data was gathered with the aid of maritime data service DataLiner, by Datamar.

Meat exports from Paranagua and Antonina | Jan 2019 – Mar 2023 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

The remarkable progress in Paraná’s agricultural trade balance, particularly in recent years, can be attributed mainly to the fact it was internationally recognized as being free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). This achievement has spurred new investments and commercial negotiations with international players. Additionally, Paraná has also gained recognition as a swine fever-free zone.

The certifications obtained two years ago have helped cattle farmers reach new consumer markets and positively influenced potential buyers of other proteins such as pork and chicken.

HIGHLIGHTS – Historically, poultry has been the leading meat export in Paraná. In 2022, it accounted for 86.3% of the total sales abroad, amounting to US$ 3.6 billion for fresh chicken. Regarding quantity, 1.8 million tonnes were exported in 2022, compared to 1.5 million in 2018.

China remains the largest buyer of these items, with US$ 732.6 billion, representing 20% of purchases. It is followed by the United Arab Emirates with 9.2% (US$ 334.3 million), Japan with 7.5% (US$ 274.5 million), and South Korea with 5% (US$ 183.2 million).

Pork production ranks second in terms of exports, accounting for 7.6% of sales, equivalent to US$ 320.2 million. In terms of volume, 144 thousand tonnes were exported in 2022, compared to 90 thousand tonnes in 2018, indicating a growth of 60%.

The main destinations for pork exports are emerging markets, with Hong Kong accounting for 24% of imports (US$ 77.3 million), followed by Singapore with 16% (US$ 51.8 million). Neighboring countries Uruguay and Argentina also stand out, with 15.9% (US$ 51 million) and 14.6% (US$ 46.8 million), respectively.

Beef, representing 1.8% of exports in its natural state (US$ 78 million) and an additional 0.3% as processed products (US$ 13.1 million), still holds growth potential in Paraná, considering productivity gains in existing rural properties and the expansion of meatpackers.

Israel is currently the largest consumer of beef from Paraná, importing US$ 46 million, which accounts for 59% of the total. Uruguay follows with 12.5% (US$ 9.8 million), and Russia with 11% (US$ 8.7 million), while Chile completes the list with 10% (US$ 7.9 million).

FISH – Fish exports from Paraná have recently witnessed a remarkable surge. The volume of exports reached 5.15 thousand tonnes in 2022, a significant increase from a mere 32 tonnes in 2018. While the state may produce substantial quantities of carp and pacu, this growth of the local fish farming sector is mostly attributed to tilapia’s growing production and market penetration. In Paraná, tilapia accounts for 38.5% of the national output, with São Paulo being the second-largest producer, holding a 13.3% share.

Commercial tilapia farming has spread widely across Paraná, with a presence in 363 out of the 399 municipalities. However, seven towns stand out as they concentrate over half of the production: Nova Aurora (13.82%), Palotina (7.58%), Toledo (6.75%), Assis Chateaubriand (6.55%), Maripá (5.58%), Terra Roxa (5.42%), and Nova Santa Rosa (4.96%). The growth of this industry can be attributed to the concerted efforts of cooperatives, an increasing number of members, investments in machinery and equipment, as well as the implementation of new production lines.

In 2022, Paraná exported tilapia meat to 34 countries in various forms. The United States emerged as the primary destination. The market for tilapia is poised for further growth in the coming years, especially considering the trend of replacing more expensive fish with tilapia in economies affected by inflationary outbreaks, such as Europe.

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