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This report identifies Brazil’s import requirements for foreign export certificates. Export certificate matrix and outline are included. There are additional certificates and certificate changes added to the trade matrix that affect imports of agricultural products in general. This report supplements the FAIRS Narrative Report.

On October 2022, Brazil adopted the Front of Panel Nutritional Label, which has been under discussion since 2014. The two major government regulators for agricultural goods, the National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance (ANVISA) and the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), have also concluded the great majority of the task of reviewing and consolidating the comprehensive set of regulations related to technical and administrative procedures; however, there are still ongoing public consultations, and those are expected to be concluded in 2023.

Brazil is the second-largest producer of biotech crops in the world with 105 events approved. For the 2022/2023 crop season, FAS Brasilia forecasts a 65 million hectares planted with GE traits. Adoption rates for soybeans and cotton reached 99 percent and 95 percent for corn. Continued use of biotechnology seeds has been a major contributor to yield growth in Brazil since its adoption.

Post forecasts that milk production in 2022 will reduce about five percent, to 23.7 million metric tons (MMT), while in 2023 it is expected to grow around 3.6 percent, reaching 24.5 MMT. Milk consumption in Brazil is expected to fall around four percent, but recover in 2023 by three percent.

The Brazilian orange crop for Marketing Year (MY) 2022/23 is forecast at 405 million 40.8-kg boxes (MBx), equal to 16.52 million metric tons (MMT), a reduction of two percent relative to the current season.

Post forecasts 2022/2023 corn production at a record 126 million metric tons (MMT) based on the growing demand and price for corn both in domestic and international market. This is up 8.6 percent on the 2021/2022 production estimated at 116 MMT.

The Agricultural Trade Office (ATO)/Sao Paulo estimate for the Brazilian coffee production for Marketing Year (MY) 2022/23 (July-June) was revised downward to 62.6 million 60-kg bags, a decrease of 1.7 million bags relative to the previous estimate, due to lower output in Arabica production.

Brazil is the fourth-largest export destination for U.S. agricultural and processed products in South America and depends on international suppliers to meet its demand for food processing ingredients, especially specialty products with high added value. These products offer significant opportunities for U.S. companies to supply Brazilian food manufacturers looking to meet the needs of a growing health-conscious consumer market.

In 2021, the Brazilian foodservice industry reached revenues of BRL 460 billion (USD85.2 billion), a growth of 26 percent compared to 2020. Although many challenges are still present, the forecast for 2022 is at 18 percent growth compared to 2021.

Post forecasts an increase in cattle production by 2.8 percent in 2022 and one percent in 2023, driven by global demand, elevated beef prices, and a general trend of expansion in the sector. Nevertheless, increasing production costs, especially feed prices, inflation, and unstable weather are expected to pose challenges to cattle ranchers.

Post increased its forecast for soybean planted area to 42.8 million hectares for 2021/22, up previously from 42.5 million hectares. Brazil continues to expand its area due to record high domestic soybean prices. Post forecasts a record harvest at 148.5 million metric tons (MMT), increased from 144 MMT previously with planting starting earlier this year as well.

Post forecasts 2022/23 cotton area planted at 1.65 million hectares (ha), an increase of just over one percent from the 1.63 million ha cotton area estimate for 2021/22. Post’s forecast is based on expectations that despite challenges, such as risings costs and tightening margins, Brazilian producers are optimistic about the crop’s prospects, and eager to continue growing the sector.