Agribusiness exports from Brazil to the Arab world generated $6.86 billion last year, expansion of 14 percent over 2008, according to figures supplied by the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade and compiled by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. Total sector sales dropped 9.8 percent in the period covered, according to a report published today by the Jeddah-based Saudi Gazette. “This is emblematic, exports only rose to developing nations,” said the director of the International Agribusiness Promotion Department at the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Eduardo Sampaio Marques. He also noted the greater volume of shipments to Asia and Africa. “This is a sign that something had already been taking place in Brazil, the diversification of markets,” he added.
