São Paulo – Brazilian exports to the Arab countries grew 33.3% from January to November this year as against the same period last year and had great influence in the greater commodity prices. According to figures disclosed by the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, compiled by the Market Development Department at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Brazilian sales to the region reached US$ 11.3 billion in the period, against US$ 8.4 billion in the same months in 2009.
Topping the list of export products to the Arab world are items that presented greater prices this year. The secretary general at the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Michel Alaby, points out that sugar, ores and meats were exported to the Arab market at higher average prices than last year, and that influenced the figures. But there was also growth in volumes shipped.
From January to November, sugar topped the list of products exported by Brazil to the Arabs, at US$ 3.6 billion – growth of 59% over 2009. Meats were the runner-up, with sales of US$ 2.9 billion and growth of 21.5% over the same period last year. In third place came ores, with revenues of US$ 1.9 billion and growth of 128%. The price of sugar in bulk sold by Brazil to the Arabs, for example, was 19% greater.
Alaby explained that the heated market, mainly Chinese demand, and crop problems in some agricultural producers helped increase global prices. According to the secretary general, the growth verified in exports from Brazil to the Arabs up to now is above expectations, which were for growth of little over 20%.
The main importers of Brazilian products in the Arab world from January to November were Saudi Arabia, followed by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria and Morocco. The Saudis imported US$ 2.7 billion, growth of 52% over the same period in 2009. The Egyptians spent US$ 1.8 billion on Brazilian products, expansion of 38% over January to November last year. Purchases by the Emirates totalled US$ 1.7 billion, those by Algeria, US$ 807 million, and those by Morocco, US$ 609 million.
In November alone, exports from Brazil to the Arab countries expanded by 53.5% and reached US$ 1.2 billion. In November last year, sales had totalled US$ 820.8 million. In November, the main markets were also Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Emirates, Algeria and Morocco. The main products sold were sugar, meats, grain and ores.
Brazilian imports from the Arab market totalled US$ 6.5 billion from January to November, with expansion of 37% over the same period last year. The main product in the basket was oil. In November, imports reached US$ 607 million, with growth of 121%. The balance of trade between Brazil and the Arab nations is US$ 4.8 billion positive for Brazil in the accumulated result for the year.
*Translated by Mark Ament
