South Africa lifted its embargo on Brazilian pork in November and Pakistan has confirmed trade with Brazil for its large Muslim, halal consumer-base, says the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).

Pork exports were stopped to South Africa in 2005 and has since grown to be the fourth largest importer.

ABPA vice president of pigs, Rui Eduardo Vargas Saldanha said: “The Brazilian pig has an excellent health status which was recognized by the South African authorities.

“To this end, we will continue to build the confidence of the country's authorities with a view to good business prospects with the local market.”

Commenting on Pakistan poultry outlook, ABPA vice president of poultry, Ricardo Santin, hoped to consolidate Brazil’s partnership, “complementing local demand” and building up chicken consumption from a low base.

“Today annual per capita consumption in the country is low, about four pounds,” he said. “There is great potential for expansion and is on this front that seek to act.”

Prior to the ban, South Africa was buying 18,000 tonnes ten years ago, when pork exports hit record highs of 625,000 tonnes.