Brazil’s poultrymeat exports were almost 10% down in March, when compared with the previous year, according to a trade body.

The Association of Animal Proteins (ABPA) said 340,500t of chicken meat was exported, compared with 376,000t the year before.

Total revenue was down 4.1% to US$564.7m, ABPA said.

The association said that, while down, the figures showed total exports were on an upward trend.

Middle Eastern countries were cited as highlights for growth, with the United Arab Emirates taking 36,300t, up 23% on last year, and Quatar, which recieved 7,400t (a 40% increase).

“In addition to the consolidation of China as the main destination for Brazilian poultry meat, strong sales growth for the United Arab Emirates indicates the sustained halal product flow   in the Middle East,” said Ricardo Santin, ABPA executive director.