Alexandre Rocha*
São Paulo – Exports of Brazil to the Arab countries generated US$ 5.935 billion between January and November this year, an increase of 25.7% when compared to the same period last year, according to figures supplied by the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex) and compiled by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. "We are going to exceed the target stipulated at the beginning of the year," stated yesterday the president of the organization, Antonio Sarkis Jr.
In January, the Arab Brazilian Chamber forecasted expansion of 20% in exports this year, estimating that the value would reach US$ 6.25 billion. "If the current rhythm is maintained, we will end the year over that level," added Sarkis. The monthly average of exports to the Arabs in 2006 is at almost US$ 540 million, being that in the second half of the year the growth of shipments increased.
In September alone, exports to the region totalled US$ 675.6 million, the second best monthly result in history, losing only to the October result, which was US$ 730.6 million.
"Brazilian products are being well accepted on the Arab market, especially in agribusiness," stated Sarkis. He pointed out, however, that industrialized and high added value products are also doing well in the region, as is the case with Embraer aircraft.
In the 11 first months of the year, exports to 17 of the 22 Arab countries grew, including the main importers of Brazilian products. Saudi Arabia, for example, purchased the equivalent to US$ 1.3 billion, 25.8% more than in the same period last year. Sales to Egypt totalled US$ 1.2 billion, growth of 54%. To the United Arab Emirates, shipments grew 41% and reached US$ 944.7 million. Algeria imported US$ 417.5 million, 14.5% more. Yemen purchased the equivalent to US$ 255 million, growth of 50%.
Brazilian imports of Arab products, in turn, reached US$ 5.1 billion between January and November, 4.14% more than in the same period last year. To Sarkis, the smaller growth of imports was due to the reduction of the price of oil on the international market and to the Brazilian self-sufficiency in production of the commodity.
*Translated by Mark Ament