Brazil breaks historic record with more than US$1,21 billion in fruit exports in 2021

Brazil reached a historic record for fruit exports in 2021, according to data presented in the 2022 Hortigranjeiro Bulletin, released by the National Supply Company (Conab), an organization linked to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa).

During the year, Brazilian fruit exports were higher in both volume and revenue. Revenue exceeded US$ 1,21 billion, 20,39% above that calculated until December 2020. The total volume of fresh fruit sent abroad was 1,24 million tons, 18,13% higher than the previous year. same period of the previous year,

Among the fruits most exported by Brazil in 2021 are: mangoes, with US$ 248 million and 20% of the total exported in the period; melons, with US$165 million and a 14% share; grapes, with US$ 155,9 million and 13%; nuts and chestnuts, with US$ 151,9 million and 13%; lemons and limes, with US$123,8 million and a 10% share.

Exports of national fruits in 2021 were mainly destined for the European Union (48%), the United States (16%), the United Kingdom (14%), Argentina (4%) and Canada (3%).

The general coordinator of Statistics and Commercial Analysis at Mapa's Secretariat of Commerce and International Relations (SCRI), Gustavo Cupertino, highlights that some factors favored the growth of exports. “Possibly, the recovery of the world economy and the search for healthy food in a pandemic environment. Furthermore, we have to highlight the quality of Brazilian products, as well as the proximity to the largest buyer”.    

For the director of Agricultural Policy and Information at Conab, Sergio De Zen, the increase in exports indicates a recovery. “The heated international demand, the favorable climate for productivity and the quality of various crops were fundamental for fruit sales to the foreign market to surpass the 1 million ton mark. It is also important to highlight that this new record was not only due to the recovery of existing markets, but also to the opening of new markets – the result of work on new bilateral agreements led by the Ministry. Since 2019, more than 150 have been opened. new external markets for agricultural products.