Brazil aims to boost fruit exports beyond $1.2 billion despite trade hurdles

The Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas) aims to bridge the gap between Brazil’s status as the third-largest fruit producer globally and its 23rd position in the export rankings. Waldir Promicia, Abrafrutas’ founder, notes, “Few bilateral agreements are made to export fruit.” In 2024, Brazil exported approximately 1 million tons of fruit, generating revenue of $1.2 billion. This reflects a 3% revenue increase despite a 0.85% decrease in export volume compared to 2023.

Promicia emphasizes Brazil’s capacity to expand its export markets, particularly for mangoes, lemons, melons, and grapes. He states, “Brazil’s potential scares any competitor. We just need to put the country on the international map.” This expansion relies on advancing negotiations with other nations to open markets and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Promicia points out, “We need to open up markets and simplify regulations and bureaucracy.”

The European Union, including Germany, England, and the Netherlands, alongside the United Arab Emirates and the United States, are primary importers of Brazilian fruit. However, Promicia highlights challenges in the US market, particularly in exporting Tahiti limes, which are currently sent to Canada but face barriers in the US. He notes the opportunity during Mexico’s off-season for lime imports, stating, “We’ve been trying to get there for 20 years.”

The chart below shows the main fruits exported by Brazil by sea in 2024. The data was extracted from DataLiner, a business intelligence tool from Datamar.

Top Fruit Exports from Brazil | 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Source: Abrafrutas

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