Brazil exports to Arab world rise 20% in 2011

Exports from Brazil to the Arab world generated revenues of $15.13bn in 2011, a 20.3 percent increase on the previous year.

Imports grew even faster, by 43.36 percent, and reached $9.98bn, according to figures issued by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

“We are running a surplus in trade with the Arabs,” said Salim Taufic Schahin, president of the Arab Brazilian Chamber in comments published by the Arab Brazil News Agency, adding that he expected further growth in trade this year.

For 2012, trade between Brazil and Arab countries is expected to grow by 10-15 percent, Schahin said.

“One must compare prices and volumes. In 2011, volumes remained stable while prices hiked. We still need to regard the European crisis very carefully. I believe that growth rates worldwide will be lower as a result of the crisis,” he added.

The main items shipped from Brazil to the Arab world in 2011 were sugar, where sales amounted to $4.62bn, meats at $3.55bn, and ores at $2.97bn.

The main targets of Brazilian exports last year includes Saudi Arabia ($3.48bn), Egypt ($2.62bn) and the UAE ($2.17bn).

Oman exports totalled $831.79m, a 449.59 percent increase on the previous year which was the highest of all countries in the region.

In terms of imports, the leading supplier was Algeria, followed by Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iraq, and the UAE.

Fossil fuels were the main products imported from Arab countries by Brazil, followed by fertilisers and plastics.

“There is a growing will, on the Brazilian government’s part, to relate to the Arab world,” said Schahin. “Relations are growing and the trade is growing,” he said.