IPCF rises and closes April at 1,56

Although the average variation in agricultural commodity prices was limited to 1,3%, the month of April was marked by significant movements among the main commodities. Price increases were observed for soybeans (10%), corn (6%), and cotton (9%) – movements partially offset by a 6% drop in sugarcane prices, resulting in a more moderate impact on the aggregate index.

On the other hand, the increase in fertilizer prices, which rose by about 10%, reflected the current dynamics of the international market. Among the raw materials, the price increases for urea (14%), monoammonium phosphate (10%), single superphosphate (19%), and potassium chloride (4%) stood out, reflecting a more pressured global scenario, especially due to the scarcity of sulfur, an essential input for fertilizer production.

The exchange rate helped to mitigate some of the pressure on costs, with the dollar falling 4% in the month, which contributed to partially moderating the impact of the increase in imported inputs. Even so, the international scenario remains a point of concern, as the continuation of conflicts could affect both fertilizer imports and exports of Brazilian agribusiness, maintaining risks of additional pressure on costs and on the IPCF (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) in the coming months.

Global dynamics also influenced commodity prices, especially due to the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, which raised oil prices and had indirect repercussions in the agricultural sector. These movements, however, were partially limited by the large Brazilian harvest recently collected, which has restricted more intense price increases.