Las importaciones de trigo de Brasil en 2011/12 se estiman en 7,1 millones de toneladas métricas (mmt), un aumento de 6% con respecto a 2010/11 debido a un aumento en el consumo interno.
Brazil historically has produced enough wheat to meet only half of its consumption needs, according to the report. Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay typically account for 98% of Brazil’s wheat imports.
The United States has been the primary back-up supplier in years when the Mercosul countries cannot meet Brazil’s import needs. The Mercosul economic agreement between Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay promotes free trade between those countries. US wheat typically enters Brazil to supply millers in the Northeast, where it can compete due a waiver on the merchant-marine tax.
USDA forecasts Brazil’s wheat exports for 2011/12 at 1.8 mmt. Last year’s wheat exports were a record high, and exports, while 29% lower from the year before, are estimated to reach the second-highest level on record.
Las exportaciones de trigo continuarán fortaleciéndose con el apoyo del gobierno brasileño a través del Programa de Prima por Salida de Producto (PEP).
Wheat production area is forecast at 2.2 million hectares, up 9% from 2011/12. Wheat area is forecast to recover some land from soybeans in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. The USDA report forecasts that wheat production will continue its shift further south and Rio Grande do Sul will overtake Paraná to become the largest wheat producing state.
Brazil’s wheat production is forecast at 6.1 mmt, up 7% over 2011/12, according to the report. Domestic wheat should continue to improve in quality for two reasons:
– Production area shifts to the South should provide a more conducive growing climate
– Anticipation that Brazil’s new flour fortification standards will enter into force.
Los nuevos estándares de enriquecimiento de la harina exigen mejores características del trigo, lo que alienta a los productores a invertir en mejores semillas. Está previsto que la norma comience a aplicarse en julio de 2012.
Sin embargo, el USDA indica que, dado que el nuevo estándar sigue siendo una discusión en curso entre los productores, los molineros y el gobierno, es probable que la implementación del estándar se posponga por tercera y última vez hasta 2013.
Fuente: USDA, editado por Stefanie A. Toth, editora en línea