Stronger Broiler Exports Expected

WASHINGTON - Feb 10/04 - SNS -- The avian influenza outbreak in Asia has resulted in increased export sales opportunities for the U.S. poultry industry, resulting in a boost in projected exports for 2004in the latest report from the USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board.

"The 2004 broiler export forecast is raised this month," the USDA emphasized, "largely as the recent outbreak of high pathogenic Avian Influenza in Asia has resulted in a number of major importing countries banning imports from their traditional supply sources."

The United States and Brazil are expected to benefit from increased access to these markets, but U.S. gains are expected to be limited by constraints on the ability to competitively price certain products into these markets.

Furthermore, in the near term, bans on imports of U.S. broilers announced following the recent discovery of a different strain of Avian Influenza on a Delaware farm is expected to disrupt short-term exports.

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