India Beats Brazil, China To Become #1 Food Exporter To 22 Arab Nations: Win For Make In India?

India has overtaken Brazil to become the leader in food exports to the League of Arab States for the first time in 15 years.

Too Far Away

Brazil suffered due to the pandemic since its distance from markets in the Arab world, one of its most important trade partners, became a liability.

India captured 8.25% of the total agribusiness products imported by the 22 League members last year.

It is followed by Brazil which accounted for 8.15% of that trade, finally falling behind for the first time in a decade and a half.

Emerging Rivals

Other emerging suppliers have also posed a threat to Brazil’s dominance such as Turkey, the United States, France and Argentina.

These countries thrived amid a disruption of traditional shipping routes which led to Brazilian shipments reaching Saudi Arabia in 60 days, when earlier it used to be 30.

India’s Advantage, China Enters Fray

This is where India has geographic advantages thanks to which it can ship fruits, vegetables, sugar, grains and meat in as little as a week.

China also played a part in Brazil’s setback since its push to boost its own food inventories during the pandemic also diverted some of Brazil’s trade with the Arabs.

This resulted in countries like Saudi Arabia promoting domestic food production while seeking alternative suppliers.