The tide is in favor of the speedboats and yachts made in Brazil.
In 2022, for the first time, exports of boats exceeded imports, and more and more national models are sailing in the waters of European countries and the United States.
According to the Brazilian Association of Boat Builders and their Implements (Acobar), last year, exports in the sector broke records.
They totaled US$30.1 million, a volume almost four times greater than imports (US$7.6 million).
In 2021, the country had already exported almost the same amount (US$29.9 million), but imports reached US$ 5.7 million.
For the president of Acobar, Eduardo Colunna, the industry is “starting to reap the rewards” of an initiative of almost a decade that has gained strength in the last four years.
“(The sector) was always left out (of exports) by mistake of the shipyards themselves, which did not invest in the operation.”
The expectation now, he says, is for annual growth of about 20% with exports alone.
Factors such as favorable exchange rates and the development of attractive models for the foreign public favored foreign sales.
In addition, Colunna says that during the pandemic, there was a “discovery of the sea”.
According to him, in February, at least six Brazilian companies exhibited in the Miami Boat Show, the largest nautical event in the world.
“Companies are exporting more than 40% of their production,” he guarantees.
He says the national boats “owe nothing” to the foreign ones.
SELLING TO ‘MAMMA’
In March, for the first time, the Italian brand Azimut Yachts, which has produced yachts in Itajaí (SC) since 2010, exported to Italy a unit of the mega yacht 27 Metri, a luxury vessel that in Brazil costs R$54 million (US$10.7 million).
According to the CEO of the factory in the country, the Italian Francesco Caputo, the only unit of the brand outside Italy, was born to serve the Brazilian market.
Still, according to him, a customer needed to receive the yacht in time to enjoy the European sailing season, which begins in April.
Azimut do Brasil’s goal is to export 35% of the production this year, estimated in 42 boats.
The volume should exceed R$500 million (US$99).
Last year, the export represented 20% of the production.
The shipyard has models made “for export”, says the executive.
According to Caputo, the lower labor cost in Brazil helps in competitiveness, but the advantage is diluted in the transportation costs.
Eduardo Colunna, from Acobar, also points to the drawback system as an ally for exports.
Through it, imported items intended for the construction of products to be exported enter the country without paying taxes to encourage exports.
This is the case, for example, with engines.
By concentrating 29 companies in the sector, which generate 1,100 direct jobs, and that in 2022 contributed R$611 million in taxes, Itajaí is a kind of “ABC of boats” about the automotive industry pole in São Paulo.
“Of every ten boats produced in Brazil, seven leave Itajaí,” says the city’s Secretary of Economic Development, Thiago Morastoni.
He estimates that 25% and 30% of this volume is destined for export.
With information from O Estado de S. Paulo
Read More from The Rio Times