Brazil’s agribusiness exports made US$ 110.7 billion from January to November 2021, an increase of 18.4% when compared to last year. The growth was driven by the exchange rate, and high prices, as the sales volume decreased by 6.5%. According to CNA, exports are expected to continue increasing in 2022. Nevertheless, the pandemic and its possible effects on the flow of maritime transport should not be forgotten, as well as other challenges, such as logistical bottlenecks, the lower global supply of inputs, and the growing protectionism – mainly those linked to the environment. “Several countries are introducing unilateral norms, but they are not engaging in serious multilateral discussions on issues that impact sustainability, as they are in the WTO [World Trade Organization],” said Ligia Dutra, the director of International Relations at the CNA. One of these discussions involves the reduction of “distorting” agricultural subsidies. According to Dutra, dialogue is needed so that “unilateral measures will be concerned with the environment not barely disguised barriers to trade, which increase protectionism.” The president of CNA, João Martins, said that the sector will show the world the “truth” about sustainable production made in Brazil.
Sources: Valor/Portos e Navios (*Translated by Ia Niani)