Melon exports rise sharply

Melon exports from the 2021/22 harvest from Rio Grande do Norte/Ceará rose strongly in October, totaling 45 thousand tons, according to data from Secex, an increase of 62% compared to September. Revenue in dollars also rose, reaching US$30,8 million (FOB), an increase of 57% in the monthly comparison.

Also according to Secex, this result was the best for a month of October in the last six years, almost surpassing the record, registered in 2015. According to agents consulted by Hortifruti/Cepea, the increase in shipments was influenced by firm international demand and the dollar valued against the Real, which has led producers to prioritize international sales to the detriment of the domestic market, affected by the economic crisis.

As a result, data from the partial 2021/22 harvest point to a recovery in relation to the "stalled" start of exports, as there was a delay in closing international contracts, given market uncertainties and high production and sea freight costs.

Between August and October/21, export volume increased 2% compared to the same period last year, totaling 77 thousand tons. Revenue in dollars increased 7%, totaling US$52 million (FOB).