Mexico opens up for Brazilian eggs

Mexicans eat a record breaking 378 eggs per year, and from now on, part of those eggs will come from Brazil. Photo: Henk Riswick

Mexico has opened its market to egg imports from Brazil, according to the announcement made by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa).

The Mexican Government’s National Service for Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) authorised the import of products coming from all over the Brazilian territory.

Mexico is the largest egg consumer per capita in the world, with 378 eggs per year. The country has imported 20,000 tons of eggs in 2019, according to data from the National Poultry Union of Mexico.

Mexico is strategic for Brazil’s agricultural sector…”

Various organisations, such as Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), Agricultural Adidance in Mexico, Mapa and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined efforts in order to come to this new agreement.

Global egg production continues to rise

Global egg production continues to see substantial growth with latest figures suggesting a 24% increase in the past decade.

“Mexico is strategic for Brazil’s agricultural sector, not only for the importance of this market, but for the recognition of our health standards. Quality and health were pivotal to get our product in this highly competitive market,” says Ricardo Santin, president of ABPA. According to him, Brazilian egg producers are committed to growing within the international egg market due to its considerable value-added. In 2019, Brazil exported just 7,600 tons of eggs.

Egg production in Brazil

The country’s total production reached 49 billion eggs last year and is expected to reach 53 billion in 2020. This productive leap is attributed to Covid-19 impact in Brazilian internal market.

Egg consumption in Brazil

Due to the pandemic, Brazil’s unemployment rate grew to 14,1% in September. As a consequence, consumers bought more relatively cheap eggs. According to ABPA, Brazilians will consume, on average, a record 250 eggs per person in 2020, an increase of 8.5% compared to last year, and above overall average of 235 eggs.