In a significant development for the Brazilian animal protein industry, Panama has officially opened its market to Brazilian poultry and pork. This move, announced by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, is expected to enhance trade relations and create new opportunities for both countries.
The Panamanian Food Agency, equivalent to Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, responded to a sectoral request from the Brazilian government made in 2023. This decision aligns with the goals of the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) to expand Brazilian meat exports and facilitate access to markets with high demand for poultry and pork.
Panama, with a population of 4.4 million and a thriving tourism sector, has one of the highest per capita consumptions of chicken meat in Latin America. In 2023, the average consumption was approximately 54 kilos per person, according to the Instituto Latinoamericano del Pollo (ILP). Pork consumption in Panama stands at 12.6 kilos per capita, as reported by FAOSTAT. In the same year, Panama imported 15,500 tons of chicken meat and 17,000 tons of pork, primarily from North America.
The opening of Panama’s market provides Brazilian producers with a vital opportunity to diversify their export destinations. It also complements Panama’s local protein production, which amounted to 218.4 thousand tons of chicken meat in 2023, according to ILP. This development is seen as a strategic move to enhance product diversity in Panama and generate new opportunities for both Brazilian and Panamanian stakeholders.
Ricardo Santin, President of ABPA, remarked, “ABPA celebrates Panama opening its market for Brazilian poultry and pork as a significant achievement. This development will enhance product diversity in Panama and generate new opportunities for both Brazilian and Panamanian stakeholders. It marks another international success for Minister Carlos Fávaro and his team, fostering valuable partnerships for our poultry and pig farming sectors”.
The ABPA remains dedicated to supporting the Brazilian animal protein industry, focusing on sustainable growth and exploring new export opportunities in Central America. The opening of the Panamanian market is expected to boost trade relations between the two countries and create a more dynamic and competitive market environment.
This move is also expected to benefit Panamanian consumers by providing them with a wider variety of high-quality poultry and pork products. The increased competition in the market could lead to better prices and more options for consumers, enhancing their overall food experience.
In conclusion, the opening of Panama’s market to Brazilian poultry and pork is a significant milestone for both countries. It not only strengthens trade relations but also creates new opportunities for growth and development in the animal protein industry. As both countries continue to collaborate, this development is expected to bring about positive changes in the market dynamics and benefit consumers on both sides.
Sources: Available upon request