The National Association of Cereal Exporters (Anec) projects the export of soyabeans from Brazil in 2019 by 73 million tons. Meanwhile, corn shipments abroad can reach 31 million tons. Estimates, however, can be revised downwards as they consider the climatic conditions verified by mid-December, when the forecast was for an “excellent crop”. “Today, we know that we will have a low bias harvest compared to last year. Data indicate that we should have losses due to excessive heat in western Paraná, southern Mato Grosso do Sul and some points in the Midwest,” Anec CEO Sergio Mendes said in a statement. “Our forecasts of grain export may suffer changes due to the climate.” According to Mendes, the preponderant factor for the growth of Brazilian soya sales to the Chinese market in 2018 was the trade war between China and the United States. According to Anec, 97% of soyabean shipments in November last year were destined for China. Mendes also said that although Brazil has benefited from the dispute between the two countries, this scenario generates unpredictability for the sector, “which already deals with several other variables, such as the climate, oscillations of the real against the dollar and logistical issues”. Anec also said that the new government signals initiatives that generate “optimism and confidence” for the segment. According to Mendes, investments in infrastructure and expansion of transport modes are decisive for increasing the country’s competitiveness, including completion of BR-163 works, construction of Ferrogrão and expansion of waterway routes. “A major concern is related to freight shipping, since it greatly aggravates the logistics disadvantage in relation to the main competitors of the country, Argentina and the United States,” the association said in the note. Anec also noted concerns about delays in the issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates at the Port of Santos. The association is conducting a study on the subject, which should be submitted to the authorities.
Source: Revista Globo Rural