The food exports from Brazil to Arab countries reached a record high of 17 million tonnes last year, with meat, sugar and cereal being the main products, said a report.

The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce’s annual report for 2013, said that Brazilian meat topped the list at over $4 billion, up three per cent compared to the previous year, with sales volume touching two million tonnes. It represented more than 10 per cent of Brazilian exports to the region.

The UAE is the biggest commercial partner for Brazil among Arab countries, with its total imports growing over five per cent to reach $2.5 billion      

‘Frozen chicken cuts’ contributed the most to the export figures, accounting for 15 per cent of the total food and other items traded with Arab countries in 2013, up 11 per cent to reach $2.1 billion.

‘Other sugars from sugar cane, beets, sucrose’ comprised  nine per cent of total exports, cornering 26 per cent of volumes to reach 2.7 million tonnes and three per cent in value at $1.2 billion.

Corn accounted for nine per cent of the total value with a sevent per cent increase to reach $1.2 billion and a 25 per cent gain in volume at 5.3 million tonnes.  

Dr Michel Alaby, general secretary and CEO of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The trade balance for 2013 shows a greater refinement of Brazilian products exported to Arab nations. The products have gained in intrinsic value from being sold in bulk to individual packages aimed at the final consumer.

“Companies exporting refined sugar, for instance, have obtained Halal certification, branded their packaging, and now provide label information in Arabic. We have also noticed a greater level of professionalism from Brazilian companies in terms of meeting international standards and stepping up exports.”

Dr Alaby further emphasised that even though there is an evolution of Brazilian products, there is a greater need to further diversify food exports. The top 10 Brazilian products comprise more than 80 per cent of the total amount traded while chicken, sugar and ore have a 41 per cent share.

Dairy products saw the most significant increase during the period, with condensed milk rising 38 per cent, whipping cream grew three per cent.

In the fruit and vegetables category, ‘lemons and limes’ gained 33 per cent, while ‘other types of regular beans’ gained 84 per cent.

Additionally, trade relations with Libya bounced back in 2013 with a total increase of 20 per cent, while Algeria also saw a significant boost in Brazilian exports. - TradeArabia News Service