The Netherlands remains by far largest export market for Brazil

After record exports in 2015, Brazilian export of fresh fruit and vegetables decreased slightly during the first half of this year. During all of 2015 Brazil exported nearly 790,000 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables, 16 per cent more than in 2014. Looking at it from this angle, the 3 per cent decrease during the first half of this year is not that bad.

The Netherlands is by far the most important buyer for Brazil. Export to the Netherlands, which increased sharply all through 2015, was nearly 10 per cent lower during the first half of 2016. The Dutch share dropped to just below one-third because of this. The Dutch interest is largest for citrus, 60 per cent. Of all exported Brazilian mangoes and avocados, more than half is sent to the Netherlands.

Of the important Brazilian export products, the export of mangoes, watermelons and especially apples decreased sharply during the first half of 2016. The export of citrus increased slightly, and the export of melons remained at the same level. What is happening for total export is the same as what is happening for export to the Netherlands. During the first half of this year the Dutch share decreased for apples, bananas and grapes. During all of last year, 300,000 tonnes of fresh Brazilian vegetables were sent to the Netherlands. During the first half of this year, 92,000 tonnes were sent to the Netherlands, compared with 102,000 tonnes during the same period last year.

After the Netherlands, the UK is the second buyer of Brazilian product, followed closely by Spain. Export to the UK increased significantly during the first half of 2016, by 10 per cent in total. Especially more (water)melons and citrus were exported to the UK. Export to Spain decreased by the same amount, regarding mostly melons and mangoes. Uruguay (especially bananas), and the US (especially mangoes during the second half of the year) are other important buyers, followed by Argentina (mostly bananas) and Portugal.