Bosnia and Herzegovina market opens to Brazilian chicken exports

BRAZIL – The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) has announced the entry of Brazilian chicken meat into the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The development was confirmed by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA).

Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Balkan nation with an estimated population of 3.2 million, has a per capita income of around US$8,500 according to World Bank data. 

The majority of the population resides in rural areas.

Consumption of chicken meat in Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the highest in the region, with individuals consuming an average of 19.7 kilograms annually. 

FAOSTAT reports total consumption in the country at 72,000 metric tons per year, with approximately 13,300 metric tons imported, largely from European nations.

Ricardo Santin, the president of ABPA, highlighted the potential this new market holds for Brazilian chicken exporters. 

“The Bosnian market presents a significant opportunity, with demand for high-quality poultry products and a reliance on imports to supplement domestic production,” Santin said.

He further credited the Brazilian government’s agricultural representatives for their role in securing this market, naming Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro and secretaries Luís Rua and Carlos Goulart as key contributors.

Chicken production in Brazil continues to rise. 

In 2023, Brazil produced 14.9 billion kilograms of poultry meat, up from 14.5 billion kilograms in 2022, according to data from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). 

Projections indicate production will reach 15 million metric tons in 2024 and increase further to 15.1 million metric tons in 2025.

Brazil remains the largest global exporter of chicken meat, exporting 5.14 million metric tons in 2023, valued at US$8.97 billion. 

Domestic consumption for the same year is estimated at 10.06 million metric tons, with a slight decrease to 10.02 million metric tons projected for 2024.

While Brazil is a dominant producer and exporter, the country also imports small amounts of chicken meat. 

In 2022, Brazil imported 4.8 metric tons, mainly from Argentina and Chile. 

This figure is expected to reach nearly 5,000 metric tons in 2023, according to the USDA FAS.

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