Arabs import $106m Brazilian coffee in H1

The Arab world imported $106.9m worth of Brazilian coffee during the first half of 2012, according to latest figures released by the Brazilian Coffee Exporter Council (Cecafé).

The total reflects a 1.52 percent increase in revenues compared to the same period last year, a statement said.

Brazil exported 526,464 pieces of 60kg coffee bags to various markets to the region from January to June 2012, it added.

According to the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, the Arab world has been consistently a major market for Brazilian coffee products.

In 2011, Brazilian coffee exports to the Arab region reached $214m, increasing by 35.88 percent from 2010 according to statistics.

Michel Alaby, general secretary and CEO of Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: "Brazilian coffee exporters are stepping up efforts to satisfy the preferences and needs of consumers in the Arab region, where coffee has always been a very popular beverage.

"The increase in revenue during the first six months of 2012 is a strong indication that we are in the right direction as we continue to cultivate healthy trade alliances between Brazil and the Arab world."

In October, it was reported that Brazilian food exports to the Arab world reached over $6.6bn in the first eight months of 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 Saudi Arabia reached over $1.5bn during the period, while exports to the UAE were valued at over $930m.