In the first half of 2023, Brazil achieved a trade surplus of $45.1 billion, and the state of Rio de Janeiro had a surplus of $6.9 billion, maintaining its second position in trade flow with a total of $32.6 billion, a 3% decrease compared to the previous year. Exports from Rio de Janeiro amounted to $19.8 billion, a 5% drop from January to June compared to the same period in 2022. The highlight was the 70% growth in the machinery and equipment sector ($308 million), due to a 91% increase in sales of faucets, valves, and similar devices ($192 million). These data are part of the Rio Exporta Bulletin, July edition, prepared by the Federation of Industries of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan).

According to Rodrigo Santiago (photo), President of the International Relations Business Council of Firjan, the data demonstrates the capacity of the industry in Rio de Janeiro to quickly respond and warm up to meet the global market. "Resilience is one of the main characteristics of the industry in Rio de Janeiro, always resistant to internal and external turbulence. We have logistics, we have production, and we know how to efficiently respond to market demands and fluctuations," says Santiago.

The external sale of higher value-added industrial products in the machinery and equipment sector grew for Norway, from the EFTA group (which also includes Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein). "Brazil is negotiating a trade agreement with this bloc, which would represent greater competitiveness for Rio de Janeiro's exports in accessing these markets. It is also worth noting that a Swiss business delegation recently visited Rio with the aim of developing partnerships between the countries, especially in the areas of clean energy and infrastructure," analyzes Giorgio Rossi, coordinator of Firjan Internacional.

Imports to Rio increased slightly

Imports to Rio de Janeiro amounted to $12.8 billion, with a slight 2% increase in the first semester compared to the same period in 2022. There was a 60% increase in purchases by the metallurgy industry, with a focus on cast iron, iron, or steel pipes and accessories, mostly from the German market.

In the first semester, oil exports totaled $14.6 billion, a 9% decrease compared to the same period in 2022, due to a 19% decrease in shipments to the Portuguese market and an 8% decrease to Chile, our third-largest destination. On the other hand, sales to Singapore grew by 49%. Imports also fell (11%), but there was a 413% increase in crude oil imports from Guyana.

Exports excluding oil increased by 7%, reaching $5.2 billion in the first semester, thanks to a 257% increase in shipments to the EFTA, a 34% increase to Asia, and a 35% increase to Mexico. For imports excluding oil, there was a 4% increase, influenced by a 72% increase in purchases from Aladi. It's worth noting the 418% increase in purchases from Colombia (cokes and semicoke). "Brazil and Colombia have a signed trade agreement, but it has not yet been ratified by the National Congress. This is one of the demands of Firjan's Agenda 4.0," recalls Rossi.

The Price Index of Rio de Janeiro's exports decreased by 19% compared to the same period in 2022, while the Quantum Index grew by 11%. For example, in the Machinery and Equipment sector, there was an 83% increase in the quantity sent to the international market and a 7% decrease in sales prices.

Access the Rio Exporta Bulletin at https://www.firjan.com.br/publicacoes/dados-dinamicos/boletim-rio-exporta/default.htm