Minas Gerais agricultural exports achieve best result in historical series

The figures represented 39,6% of the state's total exports; data collected for the period from January to August this year are the best since 1997

27.09.2024 | 14:50 (UTC -3)
Janaina Rochido
Photo: Diego Varga
Photo: Diego Varga

Minas Gerais agribusiness exports once again reached record numbers, according to data from January to August of this year. The sector recorded growth of 15% in revenue and 14% in export volume, compared to the same period last year. This is the best result since the beginning of the historical series, in 1997.

There were US$ 11,1 billion in revenue and 12,4 million tons shipped to 165 global destinations. According to the Superintendence of Innovation and Agricultural Economy of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Seapa), if the current scenario persists, the projection is that annual revenue will reach around US$ 17 billion.

For the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Thales Fernandes, the record performance reflects the excellence of Minas Gerais' agriculture.

“Our agribusiness produces with responsibility, quality, safety and great attention to each stage. Each item we ship is the result of the union between work well done, knowledge, application of technologies and competence of each link in the chain,” he said.

In August of this year, revenue from agricultural exports was US$ 1,3 billion, resulting from 1,4 million tons shipped. The figures represent a decrease of 4,2% in revenue and 18% in volume compared to August 2023. Even so, the expectation is to maintain the order of US$ 1 billion per month until the end of the year.

Coffee and derivatives

Coffee exports reached significant levels, totaling US$ 4,5 billion, with 19 million bags shipped to 85 countries. There was a 33% increase in revenue and 28,4% in volume.

Soluble coffee saw a 625% increase in value and 619% in volume shipped, due to increased acquisitions by countries such as Russia and the Netherlands.

Soy, alcohol and sugars

Together, soybean grains, soybean meal and soybean oil reached US$2,9 billion and 6,5 million tons. There was a slight expected decline in revenue, as the reduced harvest reduced the supply of the grain. Even so, the volume exported increased by 18%.

Comprising sales of cane sugar, alcohol and other sugars, the sugar-alcohol complex generated revenue of US$1,4 billion, with the shipment of 2,9 million tons. Sugar, the main component, recorded an increase of 32% in value and 23% in volume.

New markets

China continues to be the main buyer of agricultural products from Minas Gerais, with US$ 3,4 billion. Next comes the United States (US$ 1,1 billion), Germany (US$ 779 million), Italy (US$ 450 million) and Belgium (US$ 438 million).

During the period analyzed, Minas Gerais also gained new trading partners. Countries such as Serbia, Barbados, Turkmenistan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines began to appear as buyers of Minas Gerais products.

Cultivar Newsletter

Receive the latest agriculture news by email

LS Tractor February