Brazil's exports to the Arab region grew to $3.15 billion during the first quarter of 2019, up from $2.75 billion recorded during the same period last year, a media report said.

UAE imported a total and 650.23 thousand tonnes of Brazilian products worth $794.53 million during Q1-2019, reported state news agency Wam, citing figures released by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

The total exports to the Arab countries reached 11.5 million tonnes combined during the first three months of the year, a major jump from 9.1 million tonnes recorded during the same months in 2018.

The breakdown of data showed that 3.3 million tonnes of imported Brazilian products worth $240.37 million went to Oman. Bahrain imported 2.3 million tons of commodities valued $173.22 million from Brazil, while Egypt’s purchase of 1.63 million tons of products was valued $412.04 million. A total of 711.67 thousand tonnes of goods amounting to $479.20 million and 650.23 thousand tonnes of products worth $794.53 million went to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, respectively.

Rubens Hannun, president of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The increasing Brazilian export volume to the Arab world is a result of the strengthening trade relations between the region and the South American country. It also reflects Brazil’s global economic resilience in the midst of challenges. We foresee stronger demand for Brazilian commodities in the Arab world in the coming quarters of the year as the region continues to implement economic programs to expand trade opportunities and experience steady socio-economic development.”