São Paulo – The increase in exports to Egypt was a highlight of the Brazilian agricultural trade balance in August, according to information disclosed today (13th) by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. Revenues from sales to the country totalled US$ 132 million, representing growth of 145% over the same month of last year. It was the highest rate of growth among Brazil’s leading markets.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are among the 20 leading importers of Brazilian agricultural products, a ranking topped by China. The sector shipped a total of US$ 7.3 billion in August, a figure 23% lower than in the same month of 2009.
The region to which sales of Brazilian agricultural items grew the most was Africa. Sales to the continent totalled US$ 618.8 million, an increase of 58% over the same month last year. Exports to the Middle East grew by 29%.
The items that influenced the sector’s trade balance the most, according to the ministry, were sugar and ethanol, meats, forestry products, coffee and grain.
From January until August, the sector’s exports reached nearly US$ 50 billion, representing growth of 13.6% compared with the same period last year. Egypt was also among the top growing markets from January to August.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
