In 2024, Ceará witnessed a downturn in its export performance, with a 21.79% decline compared to the previous year, as reported by the Secretariat of Economic Development (SDE) of Ceará, utilizing data from the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex). The state's exports were valued at $1.648 billion, down from $2.34 billion in 2023. ArcelorMittal's steel plates emerged as the top export, albeit with a 48.25% reduction in revenue, earning $558.5 million.
The state experienced a repositioning in the fruit export sector, losing its status as Brazil's second-largest fruit exporter to Pernambuco, which led with $302.8 million in fruit exports. This was followed by Bahia, Rio Grande do Norte, and São Paulo, with Ceará now ranking fifth with $85.6 million in fruit exports, marking an 8.6% decrease from the previous year. The Port of Fortaleza remains a critical export hub for Ceará's fruits.
A contributing factor to the decline in fruit exports is the water crisis, with Rio Grande do Norte benefiting from a more stable water supply, thus attracting key crop producers, notably melons. In contrast, Ceará's melon exports were $59.7 million.
However, 2025 is anticipated to bring a positive shift. Itaueira Agropecuária is set to recommence melon production in May, leveraging the Eixão das Águas project to ensure a consistent water supply for agriculture. This move is aimed at revitalizing Ceará's standing in both domestic and international fruit export markets.
Source: Datamar News
