Arab States Import Brazilian Coffee Worth $117.6m From Jan-Aug

Arab nations imported coffee worth $117.64 million from Brazil during the first eight months of the year, a 1.92 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2012.

That’s according to statistics released by the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade.

Volumes during the January to August period also rose 31 per cent, with Brazil exporting 46 tonnes of coffee to the Arab region.

Michel Alaby, secretary general and CEO of Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said, “The increase in volume of coffee exports this year indicates the popularity of Brazilian coffee in the region. Brazilian producers are constantly improving the quality of their coffee to give it a competitive edge in the Arab market, which will ultimately lead to increased revenues.”

Many Brazilian coffee exporters are now selling “sophisticated blends of gourmet coffee”, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

Alaby added: “Brazilian coffee exporters are stepping up efforts to establish direct trade relations with Arab traders, cutting down intermediaries.”

Globally, the total revenue for Brazilian coffee exports to international markets dropped by 16.27 per cent year-year during January to August 2013, generating $3.08 billion. Total volumes rose 31 per cent.

“The increase in volume as against the revenue is the result of depreciation in the price of coffee in the international market,” said the statement.

Brazil has been stepping up bilateral relations with the Arab region in recent years.

During the first half of the year, exports from the South American nation to the Middle East stood at over $6.56 billion, while imports reached $3.6 billion.

Trade flows between the two regions reached nearly $26 billion in 2012, up 3.26 per cent compared to $25.11 billion in 2011.