Rio Grande do Norte’s Exports Grow 42.6% in 2024, Reaching a Historic Record.

Rio Grande do Norte ended 2024 with remarkable growth in exports, registering a 42.6% increase compared to 2023. The export volume reached a record of $1.113 billion, surpassing the $781.4 million from the previous year, with an increase of $332.5 million. Imports totaled $594.9 million, bringing the trade flow of exports and imports to $1.7 billion, marking a significant milestone for the state’s economy.

The figures were disclosed in the Economic Bulletin of the Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedec), based on data from the Comex Stat platform of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC). According to the report, the state’s trade balance was positive, with a surplus of $519 million in 2024.

Fuel oils were the main product in both exports and imports. The sector generated $732 million in exports, while imports reached $133 million. Additionally, the state recorded substantial imports of thermionic valves and tubes ($130 million), rotating electric generators ($56.5 million), and wheat and rye ($49.6 million).

In the agricultural export sector, fruits took center stage, generating $202 million in 2024. Among the main exported fruits – nicknamed the “4Ms” (papaya, melon, watermelon, and mango) by Economic Development Secretary Silvio Torquato – melons and watermelons stood out, with exports totaling $173 million during the year, $32.7 million of which came in December alone. The secretary attributed the growth in fruit exports to state government initiatives at international trade fairs, which increased the global visibility of products from Rio Grande do Norte.

The state’s main export destination in 2024 was Singapore, with transactions totaling $199 million, followed by the Netherlands ($189 million) and the United Kingdom ($188 million). On the import side, China was the leading supplier, with $260 million in transactions, followed by the Netherlands ($76.3 million) and Switzerland ($44.2 million).

Silvio Torquato highlighted that the record figures reflect the state’s strengthened economy and its increasing international visibility in recent years. The growth in local production, driven by advances in renewable energy, also played a significant role in the positive performance.

Expectations for 2025 are optimistic, with particular attention to the beginning of gold extraction in the state. The first shipment is expected in the second half of March, with Switzerland likely being the destination, as it is the world’s leading buyer of this precious metal. The secretary emphasized, “The gold will be processed in Switzerland and distributed to various international markets.” Another promising sector for the coming year is sugar exports, which, alongside mining and the continued rise of oil production, are poised to be key drivers of Rio Grande do Norte’s economy in 2025.

With historic results in 2024 and optimistic prospects for 2025, Rio Grande do Norte solidifies its position as one of Brazil’s leading export hubs.

Source: Tribuna do Norte

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