JEDDAH – Brazilian food exports to the Arab world has reached over $6.6 billion from January to August 2012 with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE emerging as the top markets in the region, according to a new report released by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. Brazilian exports to the Kingdom reached over $1.5 billion during the period, while exports to the UAE were valued at over $930 million. The Egyptian market recorded the biggest jump with exports totaling over $1.2b, representing a 28.8 percent increase over the same period in 2011. According to the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Brazilian exports of meat of bovine animals (frozen) accounted for the biggest increase with an export value of over $554 million, up by nearly 45 percent from the same period in 2011. Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose (solid form) are Brazil's top export products to Arab countries with a combined value of nearly $2.5 billion, followed by meat and edible offal of poultry (fresh, chilled or frozen) with a combined value of nearly $1.8 billion. Corn (maize) is another important export product as export value increased by more than 73 percent, reaching over $554 million from just $294.9 million in 2011. Michel Alaby, Director-General of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Arab world continues to be an important destination for Brazilian food exports as the region's consistently strong demand creates lucrative growth opportunities for Brazilian food companies. The increasing volume of Brazilian food exports in the region reaffirms the healthy trade relations between the two parties. Moreover, with Brazilian food companies strongly adhering to halal standards and other quality regulations being adopted in key markets across the region, “we expect export volumes to continue to rise and serve as a rallying point for long-term trade and economic cooperation. The initiatives undertaken by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce have been key factors in further expanding trade activities between Brazil and the Arab world. We will therefore continue to explore more innovative ways to cultivate a stronger alliance among Brazilian exporters and their counterparts in the MENA region,” he said. – SG
