São Paulo – Poultry exports from Brazil to Arab countries were off to a strong start in 2025, the same as in the previous year, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce press office reported this Wednesday (23). Q1 sales to the region climbed 9.95% year-on-year to USD 936.29 million.
In of revenue, the number one Arab market for Brazilian poultry was Saudi Arabia, at USD 256.94 million in sales, followed by the United Arab Emirates, at USD 224.50 million, and Iraq, at USD 98.76 million.
Total exports from Brazil to Arb countries, driven by food and beverages, slid 12.29% to USD 4.98 billion in the first quarter, according to the Arab Chamber. The organization points out that the decline may be related to Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims, which started earlier this year, on February 28, potentially impacting exports.
“Leading up to Ramadan, it is common for importers and consumers to build stockpiles. The reason is that during the holy month, most families will fast during daytime, eat at night, and not go out unless they absolutely have to,” Arab Chamber secretary general and International Relations vice president Mohamad Mourad was quoted as saying.
Mourad points out that this dynamic is visible in export statistics, with sales to Arab countries peaking roughly five months prior to Ramadan, receding during the holy month, and going back to normal immediately after it. “That is why we believe exports will recover over the next few months. By then, we will be able to assess demand in Arab markets with greater precision,” he says.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
