There was not much difference in fruit and vegetable exports from Brazil to the Netherlands. That is concerning volumes, compared to the first three months of 2019. The distribution over the months did, however, differ. In January, much less was exported than in January last year. In February, it was a little less. But it increased in March. That resulted in total first-quarter exports of 230,000 tons.
That is almost the same as the same time last year. However, compared to 2018's first quarter, it was considerably more. Brazilian fruit and vegetable exports' centre mass is in the year's last quarter. It total, Brazil exported almost a million tons of these products, mostly fresh fruit. Brazil is ranked somewhere between 25 and 30 on the world's fruit exporters list.
Significant shift among buyers: less to the Netherlands
There was, however, a shift in exports to various countries. For example, exports to the EU (27) decreased by four percent. Exports to the rest of the world, however, increased by the same margin. With 60% of the total, the EU (27) was still, by far, Brazil's most important sales market.
The Netherlands is the most significant (direct) buyer of Brazilian fruit and vegetables. But, compared to last year, the exports to the Netherlands were considerably lower. That difference is mainly because less was exported to the Netherlands in January. Most of the produce sent to the Netherlands is re-exported to Europe.
More and more to Spain; sharp drop in exports to the UK
Spain has claimed to second place over several years. This is on the list of Brazilian fruit and vegetable buyers. In 2020's first quarter, no less than a quarter more of these products were exported (directly) to Spain. That is compared to the same time last year. It is also striking that exports to the United Kingdom fell by a quarter in this year's first quarter. Again, this is compared to the same time last year. However, then exports to that country were huge. It was more than in 2018.
More to different, smaller buyers
In this year's first quarter, Brazil exported more to countries like Bangladesh, Paraguay, Germany, the United States, India, Russia, Canada. There are many more. There are some long-term growth markets for Brazilian fruit and vegetable sales. Besides Spain, these are the USA, India, and Canada.
Varying picture of export products
Annually, melons are Brazil's most important export product. It is followed by mangos, watermelon, lemons, bananas, apples, and papayas. In the first quarter, melons were the most significant export product. Its exports did, however, shrink by nearly ten percent. But that is compared to last year's first quarter's high export volumes. More melons were exported this year than in 2018.
Lemons exports were higher than last year's low export volumes. Fewer mangos were exported in the 2020 first quarter than at the same time the previous year. But, export volumes were higher than the first quarter of 2018. The picture is quite varied when it comes to other produce. Products like bananas, apples, papayas, and onions performed well in this year's first quarter.
For more information:
Jan Kees Boon
Fruit and Vegetable Facts
Tel: +31 (0) 654 687 684
Email: fruitvegfacts@gmail.com
Website: www.fruitandvegetablefacts.com