May 6, 2009

Brazil's soy exports soared to 4.4 million tonnes in April from the 2.6 million tonnes exported in March, the Foreign Trade Ministry said Monday (May 4).

Brazil is the world's second-largest soy exporter behind the US, and soy is one of the biggest revenue drivers for Brazil.

Brazil's soy exports were 3.3 million tonnes in April last year.

The soy trade brought in US$1.5 billion to Brazil in April compared to US$973.4 million in March and US$1.3 billion in April 2008.

Brazil has seen strong demand from countries such as China, with sales stimulated by concerns over Argentina's smaller crop due to weather problems. Brazil's soy harvest is nearing its end.

Brazil in April also shipped 1.2 million tonnes of soymeal, a soy derivative used in animal feed and other food products, compared with 840,200 tonnes in March and 819,100 tonnes in April 2008.

Soyoil exports reached 162,500 tonnes in April compared to 120,500 tonnes in March and 102,800 tonnes in April 2008.