Brazil targets US$2 billion in fruit exports by 2028
Brazil’s fruit sector is targeting export revenue of nearly US$2 billion by 2028 as market access developments in Europe and Asia support growth plans, according to Abrafrutas.
The projection follows a record year in 2025, when Brazilian fruit exports reached US$1.45 billion, up 12 per cent in value and 19.6 per cent in volume compared with the previous year. Melon exports generated US$231 million, while grape exports reached US$158 million.
According to Abrafrutas executive director Eduardo Brandão, market diversification remains a priority as the sector monitors trade developments in the United States.
Currently, the United States accounts for about 12 per cent of Brazilian fruit exports. The industry is following discussions around a proposed 25 per cent tariff on some Brazilian products. According to Brandão, mangoes, bananas, and papayas were exempted during negotiations, while grapes, melons, and watermelons could be affected if the measure proceeds.
“We are trying to work with the government, forcing the government to engage in diplomatic negotiations so that we are not affected,” he said.
Europe remains the largest destination for Brazilian fruit exports, accounting for around 70 per cent of shipments. The Mercosur-European Union agreement is expected to improve market access for several products.
According to Brandão, import duties on Brazilian grapes entering the European Union have been reduced from around 12 per cent to zero. Other products, including Tahiti limes, apples, and avocados, are expected to benefit from tariff reductions over time.
“Grapes, for example, now have a zero tax rate. We used to work with 12%, now it’s zero,” he said.
Asia is viewed as a longer-term growth market. Abrafrutas and Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock continue to work on market access negotiations in countries including China, Japan, and South Korea.
Recent developments include market openings for melons and grapes in China and mangoes in South Korea. According to Brandão, Brazilian grape access to South Korea could be finalized within the next 60 to 90 days.
The sector is also pursuing diversification beyond its main export destinations. Brandão noted that Brazil recently opened the Costa Rican market to persimmons from São Paulo.
Despite the growth outlook, logistics remain a challenge. Exporters continue to face higher transport costs, limited shipment availability, and competition for container space. Sea freight to Europe is estimated at around US$0.58 per kilogram, while air freight can exceed US$1.80 per kilogram.
Abrafrutas is also monitoring infrastructure projects such as the Bioceanic Route, which aims to improve access to Pacific ports and reduce transit times to Asian markets.
Source: Agrofy News / Abrafrutas