Abu Dhabi: Exports from Brazil to Arab countries grew in 2014 to reach $13.4 billion, with aircraft and spacecraft emerging as the highlight of imported products to the region with a 7,231 per cent jump from $3 million in 2013 to $227 million last year.
The figures were released by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
The UAE registered a surge of 9.96 per cent in imports of products from Brazil to reach $2.84 billion in 2014 up from $2.58 billion in 2013.
It was followed by Saudi Arabia, which imported $2.54 billion worth of products, while Qatar recorded a 10.6 per cent gain to reach $369 million.
The products imported by Arab countries from Brazil primarily included aircraft and spacecraft, inorganic chemicals and rare earths, vehicles, iron and steel products, food products, and machinery.
While imports of inorganic chemicals and rare earths increased 188 per cent from $146 million in 2013 to $421 million in 2014, vehicle exports grew 183 per cent from $90 million to $256 million.
Similarly, iron and steel products earned $207 million, followed by food products such as grains and fruits at $412 million, and machinery at $278 million.
“The significant growth in exports from Brazil to the Arab nations is a sign of thriving business relations between the two regions. We are upbeat that 2015 will sustain this robust business climate with trade values reaching greater heights,” said Michel Alaby, secretary general and chief executive officer of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
