Brazil`s imports of health related products from Arab countries plunges 43% in 1st quarter

Covid-19 has had a significant impact on trade in health products between Brazil and the Arab countries. Brazil imports items such as catheters, syringes, tubes, reagents, and instruments from Arab countries, but purchases fell in the first quarter due to factors such as fewer tests and elective surgeries being undertaken, logistical problems, and a rise in the dollar.

In the first three months of this year, Brazilian imports of health products from Arab countries totaled US$1 million, a decrease of 42.8% year-on-year. The Arab countries Brazil imported from were Egypt, the Emirates, Morocco, and Tunisia. The figures are from the Brazilian Association of Importers and Distributors of Health Products (Abraidi), based on data from the Brazilian Alliance of Innovation in the Health Industry (ABIIS).

The values ​​compiled by ABIIS – of which Abraidi is a part – encompass products from the universe of the entities that integrate it, such as orthoses and prostheses, disposable materials such as syringes and dressings, small to large medical equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves, respirators, products for analysis and tests such as reagents, surgical instruments, and infusion pumps, amongst other things. Medicines and vaccines are not included.

Regarding exports, Brazil exported US$1.2 million in health products to the Arab countries from January to March, a 56% drop over the same period in 2019, caused by factors similar to those affecting imports.

Brazil has a deficit in its trade balance with regard to health products since it imports much more than it exports. Supply is concentrated and comes mainly from the United States, Europe, China, and Japan. Brazil also exports health products, although to a more diverse range of trading partners including the USA, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Source: Brazil-Arab News Agency

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