Cotton exports through certified terminals exceed target in 2023/24

Brazilian cotton exports through the six certified terminals have exceeded expectations, reaching 42% and surpassing the initial target of 30% for the 2023/24 commercial period (June 2023 to May 2024). This achievement was highlighted by the Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (Abrapa) based on data from the Responsible Brazilian Cotton for Retroport Terminals (ABR-LOG) certification program in its inaugural year.

“The certification preserves the value of Brazilian cotton, as tears and dirt can contaminate the fiber, compromising the work carried out in the field, in processing units, and in Brazilian laboratories,” Abrapa stated. “The certification stands out for its comprehensive approach to quality, ensuring that Brazilian cotton arrives at its destination in perfect condition. The program implements a set of criteria that range from compliance with labor and environmental standards to excellence in container stuffing operations,” added Abrapa’s president, Alexandre Schenkel.

For the 2023/2024 harvest, the companies that participated in the program and were approved after an audit were S. Magalhães & Essemaga – terminals in Alemoa and Guarujá, both in Santos -, Hipercon Terminais de Carga in Santos, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) terminal in Cubatão, Brado in Rondonópolis, and Tecon Salvador.

According to Abrapa, the technical protocol establishes guidelines for participants, including annual audits conducted by independent companies. In the 2023/2024 period, these audits were carried out by Control Union. The program’s management is overseen by a committee comprising representatives from Abrapa and the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), ensuring compliance and continuous improvement of practices at the terminals.

The following chart shows Brazil’s cotton exports in containers from January 2022 and June 2024, according to information derived from DataLiner, Datamar’s leading maritime intelligence service.

Cotton Exports from Brazil | Jan 2022 – Jun 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Anea president Miguel Faus emphasized that, based on previous experiences where bales arrived dirty and in inadequate containers, the ABR-LOG program is already yielding positive impacts. Particularly in Turkey, the certification has been highly valued, underscoring the importance of proper handling from origin to final destination.

Since 2023, Abrapa has extended its Responsible Brazilian Cotton (ABR) socio-environmental certification program to include backport terminals and warehouses involved in cotton transshipment and stuffing operations, creating ABR-LOG. This voluntary program promotes the progressive enhancement of good stuffing practices, adhering to strict laws and standards specific to this activity.

Brazil anticipates harvesting approximately 3.7 million tons of cotton lint in the 2024/25 season, with export estimates at around 2.8 million tons. The new goal for ABR-LOG is to handle at least 50% of the exported volume through accredited terminals.

Source: Broadcast Agro

Click here to read the original text: https://broadcast.com.br/cadernos/agro/?id=S3cxRlM5M2wzOTUwVEIxRHZnN0p4QT09

Sharing is caring!