By Fernanda Pressinott on the valor.globo.com
CNA evaluated opportunities for cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, pecan nuts, and macadamia nuts
Brazil has the potential to increase nut exports to Southeast Asian countries, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA) to identify business opportunities for the most sought-after products under the Agro.BR project.
India
CNA’s study points out India as the world’s third-largest nut producer, but also as a net importer. In 2020, it produced 197 thousand tons, imported 998 thousand tons, and consumed 1 million tons. Cashew nuts with shells are the main consumed product.
According to the entity’s assessment, the Indian population’s pursuit of a healthier lifestyle is a positive factor to boost demand for nuts. On the other hand, high tariffs and import duties have a direct impact on product prices, which could affect the Indian consumer’s budget.
Thailand
Despite limited consumption levels, Thailand remains a significant importer of nuts, precisely because it is a nut processing hub in Southeast Asia. In 2020, imports increased by 46.34% compared to the previous year.
The Confederation’s study states that the country is focused on food processing, explaining the high import volumes over the years. Thailand is characterized as both an importer and exporter of nuts, meaning the country imports to re-export worldwide. Therefore, the market represents an opportunity for Brazil.
Malaysia and Singapore
CNA’s study reveals that in Malaysia, production and consumption levels between 2017 and 2020 remained stagnant. Consumption is ensured by local production, making the country not considered an opportunity for Brazilian nut exports.
Singapore, on the other hand, depends on nut imports to meet its domestic demand, but the volumes traded by the country, compared to others in the same region, do not justify placing it in a prominent position as a great opportunity.
Among the eight most consumed nuts in the world, four of them are present in Brazil: cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, pecan nuts, and macadamia nuts. According to data from the Municipal Agricultural Research (PAM), in 2021, Brazil produced 111 thousand tons of cashew nuts. Production is concentrated in the Northeast region.
