By Nayara Figueiredo

SAO PAULO (Reuters). Despite the fact that Brazilian meatpackers are suffering from high grain prices following Russia’s aggression on Ukraine, some industry sources suggest that trade disruptions faced by Ukrainian and Russian meat-producers could provide an opportunity for Brazil to grow its share of global trade.

Together, Russia and Ukraine account for around 29% and 19% respectively of the global wheat exports. Both of these can be used to feed livestock.

Brazil may be able to access markets offered by rivals depending on how this situation develops. Sources say that Europe could remove a ban placed on some Brazilian meatpackers in 2018, following a scandal within the food industry.

Ricardo Santin (president of ABPA’s meat lobby) stated that the industry was ready to fill in the gaps and ensure food security for countries affected by the possible suspension of or reduction of exports from Russia and Ukraine.

ABPA represents JBS in Brazil and BRF (Brazil), the biggest global exporter of chicken meat. It said that Russia and Ukraine are competing with Brazilians on important markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Santin warned that Europe faces a great challenge if Ukrainian meat exporters are forced to stop shipping their products amid the conflict.

According to ABPA there are approximately 20 Brazilian plants that have been suspended by Europe.

The Ukraine’s annual poultry exports are approximately 430,000 tonnes, which is 10% more than what Brazil trades in 2021.

Torres stated that “if Europe truly needs Brazilian meat it is evident that these suspended slaughterhouses ….will be reviewed quickly.”