The agricultural sector experienced record imports in this first semester. In addition to the traditional products that the country has to import from abroad annually, others were added to this list. From January to June, soybean imports increased 92%; corn, 102%; soy oil, 315%. Usually, external purchases of these products are occasional, but this year they gained importance. Purchases of soy and soy oil occur due to the intense flow of Brazilian exports. On the other hand, corn purchases are verified because of low internal supply after the bad weather in the off-season. Wheat imports – the most important food imported by the country – remained stable. There were 3.3 million tons imported this year, slightly below the 3.4 million in the same period in 2020. The country’s main spending on imports in the agribusiness sector, however, is spent on fertilizers and agrochemicals. Both reached record highs this year. From January to June, imported fertilizer totaled 16.6 million tons, 15% more. Expenses rose to US$ 4.6 billion, 31% more.
Sources: Visão Agro/Datamar News