30 July 2015
RIYADH -- Arab nations exported $3.377 billion worth of products to Brazil during first half of 2015, according to a recent statistical report released by Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade. The data was compiled by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

The growing volume of export reflects thriving trading relations between the South American country and Arab region with both parties keen to explore more business opportunities, said the report.

Exports from Qatar grew 87.96 per cent to reach $424.50 million in H1 2015 from $226 million for the same period of 2014, it added.

During H1 of 2015, exports from Saudi Arabia (KSA) to Brazil registered $776 million, followed by Kuwait at $243 million and the UAE at $239 million, it said.

Other Arab countries, including Egypt, Oman and Bahrain also contributed toward exports to Brazil at $54.36 million, $41.45 million, and $33.36 million, respectively.  

At $2.530 billion, minerals, fuel, oil, etc is the most exported commodity from the Arab region to Brazil during H1 of 2015, followed by fertilizers at $445 million, said the statement.

However, aluminum witnessed the maximum growth at 184 per cent to reach $50.38 million, succeeded by salt, sulfur, earth, and stone at 37 per cent to touch $60 million, it said.

Other top selling products from Arab countries to Brazil include plastic, inorganic chemicals and rare earth, electrical machinery, and fish and seafood. 

Dr Michel Alaby, secretary general and CEO, Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: "The flourishing exports from the Arab nations to Brazil demonstrate increasing popularity of the regional products among Brazilian population."

"The Arab region is a vital trading partner for Brazil, contributing significantly to address the growing national demand for commodities such as mineral fuel and oil, aluminum, and fertilizers, among others," he said.

"In the near future, Brazil will be in need of more exports from the region to support its booming economy. Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce continues to play a central role in enhancing business ties between Arab region and Brazil by facilitating more avenues for business leaders and traders to meet, explore and sign trading deals," he added.

© The Saudi Gazette 2015