Tropical Fruits

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Brazil is a major producer of fruits and vegetables, mainly tropical fruits, and in 1998 exported about US$120 million of fresh fruits. However, Brazil is also a major importer of certain temperate fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, plums, peaches and nectarines, and imported a record of US$262 million in fruits 1997 (1998 imports are not yet available), mostly apples (US$99 million), pears (US$92 million), grapes (US$26 million) and plums (US$23 million), peaches and nectarines (approximately US$7.5 million each). US exports of fresh fruits to Brazil have continued to decrease since 1985. Chile, MERCOSUL members, and to a lesser extent, the European Union dominate the Brazilian market for these products. Exporters of U.S. fruit should focus on products which have significant quality and seasonal advantages. The major constraint, however, is competition from Argentina and Chile in terms of lower transportation costs and lower import tariffs. In addition, plant health restrictions have become a burden for U.S. fruit exporters, especially for those exporting stone fruit from California. Brazil has begun to implement its harmonized phytosanitary requirements negotiated with MERCOSUL members, resulting in more difficult requirements for U.S. fruit exporters.

Brazil is a major importer of fresh and refrigerated vegetables such as potatoes (US$6 million) and onions (US$77 million) in 1997. Brazil also imports garlic (US$97 million in1997), peas and lentils (US$14 million in 1997). The market for imported fresh vegetables is dominated by Argentina and other major suppliers such as Chile. Major constraints for U.S. exporters are the lack of product awareness, price and higher import duties.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Brazil is a major producer of fruits and vegetables, mainly tropical fruits. It is also a competitor in world markets for these products. However, Brazil is also a major importer of certain fruits such as apples, pears, grapes and plums. In 1995 Brazil exported about US$110 million of fresh fruits, but imported a record of US$300 million in fruits, mostly of apples, pears, grapes and plums. Athough the United States exports of fresh fruits to Brazil increased by 41 percent, the U.S. market share is only 7 percent. Chile, MERCOSUL members and to a lesser extent the European Union dominate the Brazilian market of these products. Exporters of U.S. fruit should focus on products which have a significant quality and seasonal advantage. The major constraint, however, is competition from Argentina and Chile in terms of lower transportation costs and lower import tariffs.