DOHA: Exports from Brazil to Arab countries grew significantly in 2014, demonstrating robust bilateral trade relations. According to the most recent figures released by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, the total value of products imported to the Arab World from the South American country touched $13.40bn last year.
‘Aircraft and spacecraft’ emerged as the highlight of the imported products from Brazil to the region with a dramatic increase from $3m in 2013 to $227m in 2014.
The UAE registered a surge of 9.96 percent in imports of products from Brazil to reach $2.84bn in 2014 from $2.58bn in 2013, followed by Saudi Arabia at $2.54bn. Qatar recorded a gain of 10.6 percent from 2013’s $334m to $369m, while imports to Egypt soared $2.31bn over the previous year’s $2.2bn.
Michel Alaby, Secretary General and CEO of Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The significant growth in exports from Brazil to the Arab Nations is a sign of thriving business relations between the two regions. While Brazil has traditionally exported products such as chemicals, food products, machinery, and iron and steel products to the Arab countries, 2014 witnessed a remarkably high demand for aircraft and spacecraft. The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce has been a key player in fostering bilateral relations between Arab and Brazilian traders by facilitating lucrative opportunities for both parties. We are upbeat that 2015 will sustain this robust business climate with trade values reaching greater heights.”
The products imported by Arab countries from Brazil primarily comprised aircraft and spacecrafts, 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 $146m in 2013 to $421m in 2014, vehicle export grew 183 per cent from $90m to $256m. Similarly, iron and steel products earned $207m, followed by food products such as grains, seed and fruits at $412m, and machinery at $278m.
