Cepea study:

Brazilian fruit, vegetable imports have increased over last ten years

Brazil has potential to produce almost all fruits and vegetables, in all seasons. However, other countries currently meet the growing domestic demand for differentiated varieties. The Hortifruti Brasil team, from Cepea (Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics), Esalq/USP, evaluated the leading fresh products imported, the country of origin, threats and opportunities. Fruits and vegetables included in the analysis represent 98% of this market.

Over the last decade, the import of fruit and vegetables increased significantly. The nominal value spent by Brazil with the purchase of these products moved up from US$ 140 million in 2002 to US$ 750 million (FOB) in 2012, according to data from Secex (Secretariat of Foreign Trade). The creation of Mercosur (Common Market of the South), in 1995, consolidated imports of vegetables. In the case of fruits, purchases became strong in the 2000s, especially after the 2008 crisis. The reason is that the weakening of the acquisitions by United States and Europe motivated other producing countries to bet on Brazil as a consumer market. The increase in the income of the Brazilian population has also contributed to this scenario.

Argentina is the main supplier of foreign fruits and vegetables to Brazil. From 2010 to 2012, the neighboring country received 52% of the entire amount spent by Brazil on imports of these products, followed by China, Chile, Spain and Portugal. Among the products of this kind bought by Argentina, the most important are garlic and pear – both are responsible for more than half of the value spent. Other imported items are onions, stonefruits (plum, peach, nectarine, apricot) and cherries, apple, grape, kiwi and citrus.

The full report (in Portuguese) can be downloaded at the Cepea website at http://cepea.esalq.usp.br/hfbrasil/

For more information:
Mayra Monteiro Viana
or Letícia Julião
Email: netcepea@usp.br

Publication date: Fri 15 Nov 2013