Desempenho comercial da agricultura brasileira: os casos do feijão e do milho

Abstract

This study had as objective to analyze the trade performance of Brazilian bean and corn in the international market, from 1994 to 2003. To that end,the degrees of participation and of external openness and dependence were estimated, besides the cover rate. A low share of those products in the international market was verified, reflected by the insignificant levels of participation and openness. In the case of beans, besides being the world´s greatest producer, Brazil is also a large consumer, thus accounting for a mere 0.1% of the world´s exports market. With a low degree of dependence, the country was a net importer of beans throughout the period. As a corn producer,the country is the third world producer, contributing with 3% of the world´s exports in monetary terms. With a low level of dependence, Brazil was a net importer of corn in terms of quantity, but as of 2001 it reverted its position in monetary terms. In fact, Brazil has room revert its position as a net importer of beans and to consolidate its role as a supplier of corn in the international market, having benefited from increases in yields and use of advanced technologies, as well as aggregation of value to the production.