April 20, 2016

Brazil's agricultural, livestock exports to Middle East surge 46.3%

According to statistics released by the Brazil Ministry of Agriculture and Supply (MAPA), exports of agricultural and livestock products from Brazil to the Middle East generated sales of US$724.3 million in March 2016, up 46.3% from US$495.1 million for the same period last year.

Overall, the sale of Brazilian agriculture and livestock to the external market during March recorded a profit of US$8.3 billion, accounting for 52.2% of all revenues generated by exported products.

The Middle East ranks third in the world in Brazilian agricultural and livestock imports after Asia and the EU. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has emerged as the largest importers from Brazil, registering an increase of 5.9%, followed by Egypt at 16.8%, and the UAE at 69.4%.

Dr. Michel Alaby, secretary general and CEO of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: "Brazil's strengthening bilateral relations with the Arab World region reflects the growing popularity and demand of high-quality Brazilian products among regional consumers. At the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, we have always strived to further consolidate Brazil's business relations with the Arab World by offering entrepreneurs and business from both sides a platform to connect with each other to discuss profitable ventures. We will continue to support Brazil in its objective of increasing the volume of export in food stuff, especially agricultural and livestock products, to the Arab World."

Soy was the most exported item among the agricultural and livestock categories for the period, recording a total sale of US$3.4 billion and an increase of 23.8%.

Meats with an earning of US$1.24 billion and growth of 5.4% came next, followed by the sugar-alcohol with total sales of US$737.2 million and an increase of 10.8%.

Brazil has exported US$20 million worth of agribusiness products year-to-date up to March, registering an increase of 8.7% over the same period in 2015.

According to MAPA, soy followed by meats and forest products were the most exported items, with the livestock and agriculture category accounting for 49.4% of all of Brazil's exports during the period.

- Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce