Economy

Saudi Arabia unveils purchase of Brazil fruits, chestnuts, eggs

Altogether, these goods add up to $2 billion

Agência Brasil*

Published on 17/09/2019 - 15:30

Brasília

Castanhas na mesa de triagem. Processamento da castanha na mini usina da Comunidade do Rio Novo, um afluente do rio Iriri na Terra do Meio. — © Lilo Clareto/ISA/Direitos reservados

Orlando Ramos de Araujo trabalha quebrando castanhas. Processamento da castanha na mini usina da Comunidade do Rio Novo, um afluente do rio Iriri na Terra do Meio. — © Lilo Clareto/ISA/Direitos reservados

The government today (Sep 17) announced the signing of a trade deal with Saudi Arabia to expand exports of Brazilian agribusiness products, including chestnuts, egg derivatives, and increased access to Brazilian fruits. In all, these goods add up to over $2 billion.

Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply Tereza Cristina met with representative from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) in Riyadh to finalize the deal.

SFDA CEO Hisham bin Saad Al Jadhey noted that the country imports 80 percent of the food it consumes, which stems from over 150 countries. In his connection, he stressed the importance of the deal with Brazil in ensuring the country’s food safety and highlighted the quality of Brazilian products.

Tereza Cristina talked about Brazil’s role as a potential provider of other goods to Saudi Arabia, like rice, açaí, and juices.

Among the top products sold to Saudis are fresh chicken, raw cane sugar, fresh beef, soybeans (grain and meal), corn, refined sugar, and coffee (soluble and green).

In 2018, agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia yielded $1.696 billion—over 2.959 million tons. Chicken accounted for 47.4 percent of the value exported ($804 million, 486 thousand tons).

*With information from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply