Record Exports to Middle East Push Paraná’s Sales to USD 21 Bln in 2024

Brazilian southern state Paraná has reached a historic milestone. Exports to the 14 countries of the Middle East economic bloc totaled $21 billion so far this year—the highest figure ever recorded for this period. This achievement cements Paraná’s position as Brazil’s fifth-largest exporter and the leading exporter in the country’s southern region.

Boosted by strong sales to the Middle East, Paraná’s total exports between January and November 2024 reached $21.6 billion, according to the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex) of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services (MDIC), as compiled by Ipardes (Paraná Institute of Economic and Social Development).

China remains Paraná’s top export destination, accounting for $5.5 billion in sales. However, the sharp growth in exports to the Middle East underscores the state’s economic diversification and resilience. Exports to the 14 nations in the bloc surpassed $2 billion this year, setting a new record.

“These figures demonstrate Paraná’s ability to diversify its markets, reducing export vulnerability to potential economic crises in individual countries,” said Jorge Callado, CEO of Ipardes.

Among Middle Eastern countries, the United Arab Emirates was the largest importer of Paraná’s goods, with $525.9 million in purchases, followed by Iran ($465.4 million), Saudi Arabia ($282.6 million), and Iraq ($226.9 million).

Compared to the same period in 2023, Paraná’s exports to the Middle East rose by 35%, with significant increases in sales to Syria (up 1,792%), Iran (up 165%), Bahrain (up 64%), Jordan (up 62%), and Iraq (up 46%).

KEY EXPORTS

Between January and November 2024, soybeans were Paraná’s most exported product, with US$5.5 billion in sales. Other key exports included chicken meat (US$3.3 billion), soybean meal (US$1.8 billion), raw sugar (US$988 million), and paper (US$692 million).

These figures place Paraná as the fifth-largest exporter in Brazil and the top exporter in the Southern region. The leading exporters in the country are São Paulo (US$65 billion), Rio de Janeiro (US$42 billion), Minas Gerais (US$38.6 billion), and Mato Grosso (US$25.9 billion). Paraná is followed by states such as Pará (US$21.1 billion), Rio Grande do Sul (US$19.9 billion), Goiás (US$11.4 billion), and Santa Catarina (US$10.6 billion).

TRADE BALANCE

From January to November 2024, Paraná’s imports totaled US$18 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$3.5 billion. The state’s main imports included fertilizers (US$2 billion), oils and fuels (US$1.4 billion), and auto parts (US$1.1 billion).

Source: Diplomacia Business

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