Brazil's Exports of Sugar and Maize to Gulf Region Countries Hit

24-Apr-2026 04:11 PM

São Paulo. In March 2026, a fierce conflict erupted between Iran and the United States in West Asia, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz waterway. Consequently, Brazil's exports to countries in the Gulf region were severely impacted, witnessing a massive decline of 31 percent. Specifically, the export of sugar and maize saw a significant reduction.

According to official statistics, total exports from Brazil during March 2026—compared to March 2025—to countries situated in West Asia, the Middle East, and the Persian Gulf (including the United Arab Emirates [UAE], Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar) fell by 31.47 percent, shrinking to $537.11 million.

Despite this, Brazil's foreign trade balance remained positive during March, recording a surplus of $41.4 million. An interesting fact is that during this same period, imports into Brazil from abroad also surged by 113 percent.

During the January–March 2026 quarter, Brazil's total exports rose by 8.14 percent, reaching $2.41 billion. Although a sharp decline was recorded in the exports of sugar and maize from Brazil during this period, a robust increase in the shipments of other products not only easily offset this shortfall but also contributed to a surplus of nearly $1 billion in total export earnings.

In March, sugar exports dropped by 43.37 percent, stalling at $54.07 million, while maize exports to countries in the Gulf region came to a near standstill. Within this region, 46.2 percent of Brazil's exports were directed to Saudi Arabia and 38.5 percent to the United Arab Emirates, with exports to other countries remaining comparatively lower.