Soy and Meat Lead Brazil's Record Farm Exports

BRAZIL - Brazil's farm exports reached a historical high of US$ 20.2 billion in the first half of this year, an increase of 10.2% over the same period in 2004, reports the Ministry of Agriculture.

Soy continues to lead the farm export sector, with revenue of US$ 4.36 billion, even though international soy prices have fallen 20.03%.

In second place are Brazilian meats (beef, pork and poultry) with US$ 3.63 billion in export revenue, an increase of 31.56% over the same period last year.

Sugar and Brazil's sugarcane-based ethanol fuel (which is also used as a gasoline additive) are in third place with exports of US$ 2.07 billion, an increase of 73.2%.

Other export highlights were lumber and items made of wood, paper and cellulose, and leather, skins and footwear - all segments exporting over US$ 1.5 billion each.

Also strong was coffee, US$ 1.32 billion in export revenue, up 64% over the same period in 2004.

"In spite of problems with the weather and the exchange rate, we have done well because of the diversity of our exports," explained minister of Agriculture, Roberto Rodrigues.

Cumulatively, over the last 12 months, farm export revenue has reached US$ 40.7 billion, an increase of 14.7% over the prior 12-month period.

Source: Brazil Magazine