Soybean exports from Goiás fall by 42,7%.

247 - The delay in the soybean harvest and problems related to product logistics were the factors responsible for the significant 42,7% drop in the volume of exports from Goiás in February 2015 – which totaled US$ 301,495 million – compared to the same period in 2014. Even so, Goiás' trade balance closed the month with a surplus of US$ 51.937 million. Imports also decreased by 29,2%, which was mainly attributed to the rise in the dollar.

According to William O'Dwyer, executive superintendent of Foreign Trade at the Secretariat of Economic, Scientific and Technological Development and Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (SED), the problem is seasonal and the product that leads the export agenda should recover next month.

He points out that, given Brazil's trade balance, which has already accumulated a deficit of US$6 billion in the first two months of the year, the situation in the state of Goiás is considered comfortable, since it presented a positive balance of US$51,937 million in February and US$207 million in January and February. “We have to consider the current situation, both in Brazil and worldwide, but what brought us this result, which remained a good, positive result, since we are closing this month with practically 52 million and more than 207 million in these first two months of the year, was a decrease in soybean exports. This contributed greatly to the reduced result, but soybeans will be regaining their place starting next month, with the normalization of the harvest and its transport to the ports and, consequently, exports to partner countries. So, the trend is that the result will be better next month,” he states.

The prolonged drought, the Carnival holiday, the truckers' strike, and delays at the ports were cited by the superintendent as reasons why soybeans fell to fifth place in the export ranking, representing 9,5%. Meat was the top export (31,19%), followed by ferroalloys (13,32%), copper sulfide (12,8%), and hides and derivatives (10,52%). China, the Netherlands, and India, in that order, are the three main consumer markets for products made in Goiás.

Imports
Regarding imports, pharmaceutical products lead the list (28,92%). This is followed by motor vehicles, tractors, etc., and accessories (19,26%) and fertilizers (14,99%). While the first two saw a negative variation of 10% compared to February 2014, the purchase of inputs grew by 59%. The superintendent positively assesses this increase, envisioning significant agricultural production. Germany, South Korea, and Japan are at the top of the list of countries of origin for imports.

international missions
The superintendent announced that, for this year, SED has scheduled six international missions aimed at strengthening foreign trade. The next trip is planned for April in Portugal, with the participation of a delegation next month, composed of Governor Marconi Perillo and businesspeople. "We want to showcase Goiás abroad and secure partnerships and foreign investments," he says.

Russia and the Asian giant China are also on the itinerary of visits to strengthen trade ties, as the superintendent explained. “This mission we are undertaking to Russia is precisely so that our meat, which is currently one of the main products exported to the country, continues to be our greatest asset. And also to China and other countries we will visit. Our team has also been working to ensure that foreign trade is a source of pride for Goiás, with positive results,” he points out.

Another piece of news announced is that the State of Goiás will host an official meeting of the 25 member countries of the European Union on September 16th and 17th, thus attracting the attention of leaders from around the world. According to the superintendent, this is a victory for Goiás, and this fact was confirmed to the governor today.