The economic crisis caused by the pandemic of the new coronavirus has left room for some exceptions. The Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil (CNA) reported that the sale of citrus fruits to other countries more than doubled in the first half of this year. According to the CNA bulletin, exports of items such as tangerine, orange and lemon rose 158%, 132% and 12%, respectively, in the first half of 2020, when compared to the same period in 2019.

The export of products such as carrots, tomatoes, onions and potatoes grew more than 300% in the first half of the year, which helped minimize the difficulties of marketing these products in the Brazilian market. The CNA data indicate that there is still great divergence between the prevention and control measures of coronavirus in the five Brazilian regions, which still maintains many trades with the doors closed.

Given the uncertainty of consumption, vegetable producers are producing 25% below the normal capacity of the period. Although punctually, the reopening of trade has increased the demand for chicken and pork meat and eggs. The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) released a review of production and export expectations for chicken, eggs and pigs for 2020.

China

CNA states that, although there is no scientific evidence of Covid-19's transmission by food consumption, the Chinese government has published new customs standards, with greater rigour in the inspection of food products. Even without technical and scientific basis, the Asian country suspended the qualification of two Brazilian plants, one of birds and the other of cattle.

Currently, there are five Brazilian plants embargoed by China and one by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. In Argentina, seven chicken plants requested self-suspension of exports.

Source: Estadão Content