* Saudi Arabia has approved 25 Brazilian establishments for the export of chicken meat to the Arab country, five less than last year. According to the Brazilian association of animal protein (ABPA), Saudi Arabia cited technical reasons for suspending exports from five establishments, after an inspection visit to processing plants in October 2018. Brazil's agriculture ministry notes that the 25 approved establishments accounted for 63% of chicken meat exports to Saudi Arabia in 2018. Brazil exported a total of 486,400 tonnes of chicken meat to Saudi Arabia last year, making it the principal destination for chicken meat ahead of China. Saudi Arabia’s decision to reduce the number of approved establishments for chicken meat exports has caused speculation in the industry. The ‘carne fraca’ (weak meat) corruption and sanitary scandal that broke in 2017 could have been an influencing factor, while Brazil’s acting president Hamilton Mourão has rejected the possibility that it is in retaliation for Brazil’s alleged plans to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
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