Middle East

Encompassing some of the richest and poorest countries in the world, the region of the Middle East is a complex tapestry of potential opportunity. Ramtrade Worldwide has decades of experience serving the regions of Dubai, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and all points between. Working with Ramtrade Worldwide facilitates access to one of the most populous, potentially lucrative areas of the world. The Middle East imports roughly 90% of the beef and beef products that it consumes. The six Middle East Gulf states enjoy some of the world’s highest per capita incomes and population growth rates . The total food market is estimated at more than U.S. $ 35 billion – and growing daily.

The Middle East was the leading region in the market for the sector in 2008. Exports to Middle Eastern countries totaled 1.1 million tones, growth of 13% over 2007. Sales totaled US$ 1.9 billion, growth of 46 percent. The markets to which exports grew the most in the first six months of 2009 were Egypt (173 per cent), Iraq, Yemen (39.5 per cent) and Saudi Arabia. The region was once again the leading market for Brazilian chicken abroad. Exports totaled 1.1 million tons in 2008, representing growth of 13% in comparison with 2007. Shipments to the region totaled US$ 1.9 billion, 46 percent more than in the previous year.

The high price of be ef relative to poultry has accelerated growth in poultry’s share of meat consumption and led to higher poultry production and imports. In Saudi Arabia broiler meat imports are estimated to reach 443,000 tons in 2009, a 2-percent increase from the previous year. In 2005 Brazilian broiler meat imports surged after an import ban was placed on Chinese poultry meat. At the same time, imports from France significantly declined due to lower French production and a strengthening of the Euro in relation to U.S. exchange rates.

The Middle East and Africa were responsible for maintaining the level of Ramtrade Worldwide - Brazilian chicken exports in the first half of the year. Total Brazilian shipments totaled 1.8 million tons in the first six months of the year, reduction of 1.9 per cent compared with the same period of last year. The two regions were the only ones to which sales grew. To the Middle East, which is the leading market for Brazilian chicken, shipments totaled 654,000 tons, growth of 17 per cent over the first half of last year. To the African continent, exports grew 28 per cent and totaled 162,000 tons.

Of the 10 leading targets for Brazilian chicken in the first half, four were Arab countries. Saudi Arabia is the first on the list, the United Arab Emirates rank fifth, Kuwait ranks seventh and Iraq ranks ninth. There was growth in shipments to Saudi Arabia (33 per cent), Kuwait (18 per cent) and Iraq (135 per cent), and a reduction in sales to the Emirates (10 per cent).

With regard to revenues, Brazilian chicken exports generated US$ 2.7 billion in the first half, a 20% decrease over the same period of last year. The performance was affected by the decrease in the product's international market pricing. Revenues only increased for shipments to Africa, which totaled US$ 155 million, growth of 24.7%.

At Ramtrade Worldwide we believe; however, that the scenario should improve in the second half. We believe that by the end of the year, total volume shipped abroad should increase, even though revenues should still be lower than in 2008. We are seeking emerging markets even more than usual. In fact it is part of our commercial promotion strategy.

In the middle east --from the pyramids of Cairo to the mythical city of Istanbul you can count on us.