RIYADH — The Arab world imported $106.9 million worth of Brazilian coffee during the first half of 2012, reflecting a 1.52 percent increase in revenues compared to the same period last year, according to new figures released Monday by the Brazilian Coffee Exporter Council (Cecafé). Brazil exported 526,464 pieces of 60-kilogram coffee bags to various markets in the region from January to June 2012. The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce said the Arab world has been consistently a major market for Brazilian coffee products. In 2011, Brazilian coffee exports to the Arab region reached $214 million, increasing by 35.88 percent from 2010. “Brazilian coffee exporters are stepping up efforts to satisfy the preferences and needs of consumers in the Arab region, where coffee has always been a very popular beverage. The increase in revenue during the first six months of 2012 is a strong indication that we are in the right direction as we continue to cultivate healthy trade alliances between Brazil and the Arab world. In this regard, the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce remains firmly committed to provide strategic support to further expand the market share of Brazilian coffee exporters in the lucrative Arab market,” said Michel Alaby, General Secretary and CEO of Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce has been established to consolidate and expand partnerships, generate opportunities and bring Arabs and Brazilians together. It has been in operation for more than 60 years, playing an active role in boosting economic, cultural and tourism activities, and facilitating the flow of information between Arabs and Brazilians. — SG
