Brazil’s corn exports rise 221%, because of Ukraine’s absence

As could be foreseen, Brazil’s huge agricultural machine is running at full speed due to the geopolitical constellation.

Brazilian corn exports through the southern ports of Paraná state have continued to exceed expectations, rising 221% in the first half of the year despite the absence of Ukraine.

According to a statement Monday from the Paranaguá Port Authority, the increase in corn export volumes was possible because demand increased at a time when Brazil still had much of its summer corn crop to offer.

“Due to the conflict, Ukraine, which exports corn at this time of year, cannot make deliveries,” the port authority said. “So countries have to look for corn from other countries, including Brazil.

Data suggest that the South American country will export about 37.5 million tons of corn this year, an 80% increase over 2021, as the peak corn export season usually begins in the second half of the year.

Currently, Brazilian farmers are finalizing the harvest of their winter corn, which represents about 75% of the national production in a year.

The large volumes of winter corn make Brazil a major exporter in the second half of the year, competing with major suppliers in world markets such as the United States.

Brazil’s near-term corn export prospects have also been bolstered by a protocol that allows sales to China even though shipments have not yet begun.

From January to June, 1.9 million tons of corn were exported through Paraná state ports, up from 591,538 tons last year, according to the Paranaguá Port Authority.

After two years without corn exports in June, 354,424 tons of corn were shipped last month.