Potential trade in Amazon products estimated at $150 billion per year
Brazil is yet to fully capitalize on the export potential of Amazonian products, despite the high demand for items like nuts and açaí among foreign consumers.
Jorge Viana, the head of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), estimates that the global trade of goods compatible with sustainable forest use has the potential to reach approximately $150 billion.
He emphasizes the enormous potential, stating: "Out of the approximately $334 billion that Brazil exported last year, the North contributed $28 billion, with $21 billion coming from Pará [a Brazilian state in the Amazon region]. While some may view this as substantial, in comparison to the total export figure, it's relatively modest. The same holds for the Northeast, which exported $27 billion." Viana made these remarks during an interview with canal.gov, which broadcast the live debates of the Amazon Dialogues.
"Brazil nuts, for instance, have a year-round market, often used in cereal bars. However, Brazil's exports remain limited due to the absence of specific policies to promote their commercialization. In contrast, Bolivia exports about $150 million worth of nuts, a significantly larger share compared to Brazil's 10 percent. Additionally, while Ivory Coast exports 2.2 million tons of cocoa, Brazil produces approximately 300,000 tons. Moreover, the Amazon region exports $100 million worth of black pepper, whereas Vietnam's exports reach $700 million," elaborated Viana, a forest engineer and former two-term governor of Acre state from 1999 to 2007.
Debate
The Amazon Dialogues, serving as a preliminary event for the Amazon Summit, united thousands of representatives from various sectors including entities, social movements, universities, research centers, and government agencies in Belém. Their collective focus was to deliberate on climate change, sustainability, as well as economic and social development within the Amazon region.
"I hold the hope that positive changes can stem from this meeting, even within Apex-Brasil. It's worth noting that both the Amazon and the Northeast possess significant untapped export potential. Despite this, Brazilian exports have remained stagnant for a decade," remarked Viana.
He elaborated on the agency's approach to fostering increased exports among small entrepreneurs. "Our focus is on supporting small entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and small companies, as well as those eager to embark on entrepreneurial ventures. We will collaborate closely with Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) and state leaders to facilitate this process. Our goal is to open doors and provide assistance, enabling these entrepreneurs to access export opportunities. This concerted effort will be instrumental in driving significant change, particularly here in the Amazon," Viana concluded. He underscored that the government's primary objective is to transition the region into an exporter of value-added products, transcending the reliance on raw materials.
