Brazil’s Egg Exports Projected to Surge Amid U.S. Price Crisis

Brazil’s egg exports are projected to grow by 62% in 2024, totaling 30,000 tonnes, driven by U.S. price inflation due to avian flu. Exports will still represent less than 1% of Brazil’s production. Meanwhile, investigations into pricing manipulation in the U.S. highlight the impact on demand. Brazilian consumers are expected to increase their per capita egg intake to an average of 272 eggs this year.

The United States is experiencing an egg price inflation crisis due to avian flu disrupting local production, which is expected to significantly enhance Brazilian egg exports this year. According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), they anticipate a 62% increase in shipments for 2024, totaling 30,000 tonnes of eggs. However, these exports will still represent less than 1% of Brazil’s total egg production, indicating a minimal impact relative to domestic supply.

In the previous year, Brazil exported 18,400 tonnes of eggs, constituting just 0.86% of national production. ABPA President Ricardo Santin highlighted the notable export increase for 2025, saying, “The increase [in exports in 2025] is quite significant and could be even higher, but it is still based on a very low volume, always below 1% of national production.”

Brazil has received authorization to export processed eggs to the U.S. for both pet and human consumption. According to Mr. Santin, Brazilian eggs cannot be sent directly to stores but may be exported to processing companies that convert them into liquid or powdered forms. Processed eggs are commonly utilized in food manufacturing rather than being sold to consumers directly.

As U.S. egg prices rise, the Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into potential price manipulation, assessing whether major companies engaged in anti-competitive practices that contributed to supply shortages. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Angola are also increasing their demand for Brazilian eggs, according to Mr. Santin.

Brazil’s egg production is projected to rise by 2.4% in 2025, reaching an estimated 59 billion units. In January, production amounted to 5.9 billion eggs, with exports accounting for only 0.9% of total production. Despite the increasing prices domestically, ABPA forecasts continued growth in per capita egg consumption, estimating an average of 272 eggs per Brazilian this year, which reflects a 1.1% rise from 2024.

In summary, Brazil’s egg export market is poised for significant growth, driven by external demand and the ongoing avian flu crisis in the United States. With exports expected to rise markedly, the Brazilian egg industry’s share of national production remains marginal. Nevertheless, domestic consumption is anticipated to continue its upward trend, reflecting an overall growing appetite for eggs amid fluctuating prices.

Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com