Brazilian agribusiness exported US$ 55.3 billion in the first nine months of this year, 29.2% more than in the same period in 2007. In September, sales totalled US$ 6.8 billion, growth of 38.5%, generating a surplus of US$ 5.7 billion, two records for the period of the year.
The agribusiness trade balance figures, disclosed today (07) by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, show that in the accumulated result for the last 12 months, the historic figure of US$ 70.9 billion was reached. The sector that posted the greatest growth from one year to the next was the dairy sector, with growth of 297.7% in foreign sales.
In the comparison between the months of September this year and last year, the other sectors that presented great growth in exports were soy (67.6%), meats (66.7%), the sugar and alcohol complex (34.5%), coffee (59.9%), tobacco and its products (60.4%) and forestry products (14.9%). The greatest revenues came from soy (US$ 17.7 billion), meats (US$ 14.5 billion), forestry products (US$ 9.5 billion) and cereals, flours and their concoctions (US$ 2.4 billion).
Sales to China rose 91.2% this year, consolidating the country as the main buyer of agribusiness products, representing 12.8% of sector exports. Then come the Netherlands, with 9.2%, and the United States, with 8.6%. The Ministry of Agriculture also pointed out exports to Venezuela, which grew 140%, elevating the country to the 10th position in the ranking.
Although Brazil bought less wheat (5.5% reduction), rice (6.2%) and maize (43%) in September, in aggregate result, agribusiness product imports rose 55.1%.
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