In the year 2023, Brazilian fruit exports reached a record high, a period that also saw an overall growth in exports to Arab countries. According to data published by the Brazilian Association of Fruit Producers and Derivatives (Abrafrutas), Brazil exported products worth $1.2 billion in 2023, a 26.7% increase compared to 2022.
In terms of quantity, 1.085 million tons were exported, a 6% increase compared to 2022 .
According to data collected by the Market Intelligence Department, which is affiliated with the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, fruit exports to Arab countries reached $17.5 million in 2023, a 36% increase compared to 2022, and a volume of 11.7 tons, which is a 95.3% increase. However, the trade balance in the sector with Arab countries experienced a deficit, as Brazil imported $28.6 million worth of fruit, with a 106.5% expansion totaling 32.9 thousand tons, representing a 104.7% increase. The sector’s deficit amounted to $11.1 million. Brazil primarily imports frozen fruits and citrus fruits from Arab countries.
According to data from the Brazilian Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters, the United Arab Emirates topped the list of Arab countries importing Brazilian fruit, with a total of $11.5 million and 7.42 thousand tons. Green and yellow watermelons dominated the fruit exports to the UAE. Watermelons were also the second most exported fruit by Brazil last year, with a total of 228 thousand tons valued at $189 million. Mangoes, on the other hand, led the Brazilian external sales list with 266 thousand tons, showing a 15% increase compared to 2022, and generating a total revenue of $312 million, which is a 51.5% rise in comparison to 2022.
The President of the Union, Guilherme Coelho, confirmed to the Brazilian Arab News Agency that the performance of the sector in 2023 is attributed to the quality of Brazilian fruit, sustainable production practices, and the work of a fruit promotion institution in global markets, in addition to Brazil’s geographical diversity, which allows for the cultivation of different crops and mitigates the impact of adverse weather conditions. The European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States are the main export destinations, but Coelho says that the Brazilian Union of Fruit Producers and Exporters has sought to expand exports to India, China, and the Middle East.
Coelho says, “Arab countries play an important role in our fruit exports, with Egypt being a particularly significant partner. Additionally, countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon have shown a growing interest in our fruits. We are aware of the fierce competition, but the quality and variety of our products allow us to operate in different sectors of the market.”
Coylio also confirms that Abrafrutas is committed to enhancing relations with Arab countries and believes that the main challenge in this sector still lies in logistical services. He adds, “Increasing the competitive capacity of Brazilian fruits in relation to our competitors in exports to Arab countries necessarily involves improving logistical services, but it is necessary to emphasize that we have made progress with new technologies, reducing travel time to these regions.” According to him, part of the efforts to increase competitive capacity lies in the intensive use of technology and alternative export methods.
ANBA
