Brazilian agribusiness exports amounted to US$ 95.81 billion last year, up 1 per cent from 2011, according to figures released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. The figure is an all-time high.
Despite the low growth rate, the sector’s performance was superior to that of overall Brazilian exports, which were down 5.3 per cent in 2012 from the preceding year, according to Brazil-Arab News Agency.
“The figures attest to the strength of Brazilian agribusiness. The country is becoming more competitive internationally, and we will keep working alongside the farmers to seek new markets,” said the minister of Agriculture, Mendes Ribeiro Filho, according to a press release from the ministry.
Performance was strongly influenced by the 8.6 per cent increase in volume shipped, considering that product price was down by 7.1 per cent on average during the year. According to the ministry, the international economic crisis drove prices downward.
Products whose exports increased the most were the so-called 'soy complex' (bean, bran and oil); tobacco and its products; cereals, flours and preparations, highlighting maize; fibres and textiles; and livestock. Revenues from maize exports were up 101.5 per cent to US$ 5.29 billion, but the top-selling products were those of the soy complex (US$ 26.11 billion).
Regarding foods of animal origin, beef sales amounted to US$ 5.35 billion, up 7.39 per cent from 2011. The figure was an all-time high. Reflecting the sector’s trend, the volume shipped increased in spite of average prices. Poultry exports, however, were down 5.4 per cent to US$ 7.2 billion.
As for sugar and ethanol, exports of the latter reached US$ 2.2 billion, up 46.5 per cent from 2011. Sugar exports, however, were down 14 per cent to US$ 12.8 billion.
Brazil's leading export targets were China, United States, Netherlands, Japan and Germany. Exports to Asian countries saw the highest increase. The ministry also highlighted an increase in sales to Egypt (13 per cent), United Arab Emirates (8 per cent) and Saudi Arabia (0.1 per cent).
