Maersk forecasts 7% growth in imports for 2021

A.P.Moller-Maersk is more optimistic in 2021. In its newly released trade report, the company forecasts a growth of 3.5% in exports and 7% in imports this year. In addition, Maersk is focused on expanding operations in Brazil and expanding cargo handling by land, air, and coastal shipping.

“The goal is to grow around 20% in revenue due to the expansion plan for logistics services in the country and expand this offer to a tremendous portfolio of customers who use our ships.”, Says Julian Thomas, president of the Maersk group in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay,

The balance sheet indicates that exports remained positive throughout last year, with a growth of 4% in the first quarter, 1% in the second (peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic), and 7% between July and September. According to José Salgado, Maersk’s executive commercial director, the result is due to factors such as “the commercial war between China and the United States, the appreciation of the dollar and the drought in the United States which led to increased Brazilian exports of soybeans, corn, and orange juice”.

Also according to the report, the most prominent refrigerated product in 2020 was animal protein, especially pork, which grew 63% compared to 2019. Fruit exports also grew by 15%. Meanwhile, wood was a highlight among dry cargo, with an increase of 28%, mainly for the Asian and United States markets. Coffee exports increased by 10%, doing especially well in November.

“We noticed a faster growth evolution in ​​refrigerated shipments, mainly in fruits and animal protein, which are directly linked to consumption. Despite the pandemic and the world crisis, exports are recovering”, concludes Salgado.

Sharing is caring!