Brazil seeks to diversify and increase its exports to the Arab Emirates

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Although Arab countries are already Brazil’s third-largest trading partner, the country has the potential to open new markets in this region, according to Karen Jones, head of Brazil’s Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) in Dubai. The statement came during a meeting with the press on Monday (21) in the United Arab Emirates.

Jones cited some examples of high value-added products, such as auto parts, medical equipment, construction, aerospace and defense, in addition to personal care and cosmetics.

“There is good demand in Africa, especially for keratin-based products. It is interesting to look at the UAE not only as a destination country but also as a re-export hub,” he said.

Currently, Brazil exports mainly meat, iron ore, sugar and alcohol derivatives, grains and soybeans to the Arabian Peninsula. Shipments to Arab countries are surpassed only by China and the United States.

In 2021, trade flows between the two countries amounted to $3.3 billion, of which Brazil exported $2.3 billion and imported $977 million, mainly in the form of oil and fertilizers. The account shows a surplus of US$1.3 billion for Brazil.

One of the most significant increases is in fresh and processed eggs, whose peak in 2021 compared to 2020 reaches 81.5%. The United Arab Emirates tops the list of major destinations for this product with 6.9 thousand tons out of a total of 11.3 thousand tons.

In the meat segment, the Brazilian agribusiness industry has specialized in obtaining the Halal Certificate, an authorization for exporters who want to supply meat to Arab countries.

This certificate, obtained through various procedures, respects Islamic precepts and avoids animal suffering. Brazil is also among the largest producers of halal protein on the planet.

Brazil’s agricultural industry, considered essential to the desert country, has room to grow. “The Emirates is a region where food security is a major concern. The Emirates is a country that imports more than 80% of its food and beverage consumption, and this is where Brazil is best positioned as a strategic partner,” Jones explains.