Brazilian fruit exports hit by weather

Difficult weather conditions in the northeast and south of Brazil meant that fruit exports did not reach their potential in 2022. President of national fruit association Abrafrutas, Guilherme Coelho, reported exports were down by 12% in value and 15% in volume between January and September compared to the previous year, mainly due to heavy rains in the northeast region, which accounts for around 70% of the country’s fruit exports, and the drought in the south. Rising freight and input costs were another factor. 

Nevertheless, Coelho said the figures due to be released later this month should show that the total value of exports should be close to the US$1.6bn obtained in 2021. “We are very excited about 2023, with the prospect of exporting grapes to China, lemons and avocados to the US, apples to Thailand. The export market for Brazilian fruit is very active,” he said.