At the same time as ensuring domestic supply during the Coronavirus pandemic, Brazilian agriculture continues to gain space in the international market. The month of March was marked by the opening of new markets for national products and the expansion of sales in other locations.
Egypt, for example, authorized 42 Brazilian establishments to supply meat, 27 chicken and 15 beef, in addition to renewing the license of 95 companies (82 beef and 13 chicken). The Egyptian government also authorized the start of imports of beef offal.
China updated the list of establishments authorized to sell fish to the Asian country, which had not occurred since 2015. Now, 108 are authorized.
Indonesia agreed with the Brazilian government an extra import quota of 20 thousand tons of beef, which indicates an increase in Brazilian participation, as Australia is the main supplier of meat to Indonesians.
Kuwait opened its market to Brazilian beef.
Brazil will also begin exporting bird genetic material (such as fertile eggs) to Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
In South America, Argentina accepted health certifications for the import of bovine embryos, pig semen and frog meat. Colombia has made the purchase of popcorn corn official.
According to Minister Tereza Cristina (Agriculture, Livestock and Supply), given the current scenario, some sanitary measures, which often make processes longer or were even used as trade barriers, “are being left behind”.
In recent interviews, the minister highlighted that Brazil “has been in demand” by other countries that are looking for agricultural products and are concerned about a possible shortage “post-Coronavirus pandemic”. This is the case of Malaysia and Singapore, which have already contacted the Ministry to resume or increase imports of chicken and beef.
Exports
In the first quarter of 2020, Brazilian agribusiness exports totaled US$ 21.39 billion. The agricultural sector's share of total Brazilian exports was 43.2%, higher than the 42% recorded in 2019. Some products showed significant growth: soybeans, meat, cotton, peanuts, grapes and juices.
Source: Industrial Pig Farming
