Less poultry meat exported

Germany also purchased less from France

From January to May this year, France exported a good 235.700 tons of poultry meat, which was seven percent less than in 2003. In particular, deliveries to the other old EU countries shrank by 13 percent. The most important customer was Germany with around 22.150 tons of poultry meat; compared to the previous year, however, this was nine percent less. Only in Italy was France able to sell significantly more goods with 9.700 tons.

Around 60 percent of French exports or 141.100 tons went to third countries. Sales in the countries of the Middle East are traditionally strong, but there were sometimes quite significant losses. Exports to Saudi Arabia fell by 13 percent to just under 39.600 tons; nevertheless, Saudi Arabia remains France's strongest single customer. There was growth, for example, in Oman, with just over 15.000 tons, 36 percent more than in 2003. In Africa as a whole, four percent more goods were sold at 26.300 tons.

The decline in exports of turkey parts was disproportionate at minus 18 percent. Almost 73.100 tonnes were exported from January to May. France exported 56.600 tons of chicken parts, two percent less than from January to May 2003.

Source: Bonn [ZmP]