Rio de Janeiro, March 18, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Brazilian exports of chicken grew 40.3% in February, compared with February, 2003, and 20.8% in relation to January, 2004. These figures were released yesterday (17) in this capital by the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (ABEF). which registered foreign exchange earnings equivalent to US$ 187.3 million last month.

For the first two months of 2004, the ABEF reported proceeds of US$ 361 million from chicken exports. This total represents 41% more than what was exported in the first two months of 2003. 349.5 thousand tons were shipped, 7.8% more than in January/February, 2003.

Asia received the largest share of Brazilian exports. Shipments to that region totaled 88.3 thousand tons in the first two months of the year, 18% more than in the same period last year.

Translator: David Silberstein