Brazilian agribusiness exports broke a record in 2023, reaching US$166.55 billion. The figure was 4.8% higher compared to 2022, which represents an increase of US$7.68 billion. According to the Secretariat of Commerce and International Relations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), performance was mainly influenced by the quantity shipped.

Thus, agribusiness was responsible for 49% of the total Brazilian export basket in 2023. In the previous year, the share was 47.5%.

“The year 2023 marked a historic turning point for Brazilian agriculture, with major advances in launches and market expansion, resulting in a record trade balance balance of almost US$99 billion, an increase of 62% in relation to 2022. Under the leadership of President Lula and Minister Carlos Fávaro, Brazil opened 78 new markets, strengthened ties and led world exports in several products”, highlights Mapa's Secretary of Commerce and International Relations, Roberto Perosa.

Brazil directly exported 193.02 million tons in the form of grains. An amount 24.3% higher compared to the 155.30 million tons of grains exported in 2022. This quantity of grains exported in 2023 is equivalent to 60.3% of the record 2022/23 grain harvest, calculated by the National Food Company. Supply at 319.86 million tons.

In addition to the increase in the quantity of grains exported by almost 40 million tons, there was also an expansion in the volume exported of other products that registered more than US$ 1 billion in foreign sales: meat (+5.4%), sugar (+15, 1%), juices (+6.0%), fruits (+5.9%), leather and leather products (+19.7%).

The export sectors that developed the most in agribusiness sales were: soybean complex (+US$6.49 billion); sugar and alcohol complex (+US$4.60 billion) and cereals, flours and proteins (+US$1.18 billion) and juices (+US$447.41 million).

In relation to exported value, the five main sectors were: soy complex (40.4% of total exports); meat (14.1%); sugar and alcohol complex (10.4%); cereals, flours and economic (9.3%) and forestry products (8.6%). Together, these highlighted sectors represented 82.9% of sector sales in 2023.

In this regard, Brazilian agribusiness imported US$ 16.61 billion.

“The country has also launched an ambitious program to convert degraded pastures into agricultural areas, seeking to sustainably double production and contribute significantly to the development of the interior. In 2024, the country will consolidate itself as a global agricultural power, reinforcing resilience and sustainability in the sector, essential for economic development and as an important supplier of food to the world”, concludes Perosa.