In the first quarter of this year, Paraná’s exports reached the impressive value of US$5.42 billion, marking a significant increase of 4.7% compared to the same period of the previous year, when they totaled US$5.2 billion. This notable performance keeps the State in the leading position among the states in the southern region of Brazil, leaving behind Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, whose exports totaled US$4.2 billion and US$2.6 billion, respectively.

The balance, meticulously compiled by the Paraná Institute for Economic and Social Development (Ipardes), based on data provided by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), reveals a promising outlook. The quarter saw a steady flow of revenue, totaling $1.91 billion in January, $1.71 billion in February and $1.8 billion in March.

Sector Contributions and Diversification

The success of Paraná exports in the first quarter is mainly attributed to the exceptional performance of key sectors. Highlights include soybeans, raw and refined sugar, which showed impressive increases of 161.2% (reaching US$ 1.3 billion), 105.5% (totaling US$ 256 million) and 380.6% (totaling US$ 256 million) and 380.6% (totaling US$ 256 million) reaching US$61 million), respectively. Furthermore, there was notable growth in exports of electrical generators and transformers (307.3%, reaching US$ 105.6 million) and oils and fuels (35.1%, reaching US$ 38 million).

A relevant highlight is the food sector, which grew 18.9% between the two quarters, jumping from US$2.9 billion to US$3.4 billion in exports.

The CEO of Ipardes, Jorge Callado, highlights that the results reflect the diversification of the State’s exports. He notes that in addition to traditional agribusiness products, Paraná exports are diversifying into goods with greater added value, which is crucial for sustainable economic development.

Main Destinations and Geographic Expansion

China emerges as the main destination for Paraná exports, with a significant increase of 71.1% in its acquisitions, representing 26% of total exports between January and March. Sales to the Asian country increased from US$822.9 million to US$1.4 billion during the quarter.

In addition to China, other markets are also gaining prominence. The United States, responsible for 6.4% of revenue in dollars generated by exports, totaled US$347.4 million. Argentina, in turn, contributed 3.8% of the total, representing US$205.2 million.

It is important to note the significant growth in sales to Iran (367%), Indonesia (451.7%) and Vietnam (109.8%), indicating a significant geographic expansion and additional diversification of the destination markets for Paraná’s exports.

Trade Balance and Imports

While exports continue to grow, Paraná’s imports totaled US$4.2 billion in the first quarter, resulting in a positive trade balance of US$1.2 billion in the period. The main imported products include fertilizers and fertilizers, oils and fuels, auto parts, organic chemicals and miscellaneous chemicals.

Contribution to the National Economy

Jorge Callado highlights that the successive positive balances in Paraná’s trade balance highlight the State’s significant contribution to the country, generating foreign currency. This not only strengthens the local economy, but also contributes to the growth and stability of the national economy as a whole.

In short, the results for the first quarter of 2024 reflect not only the vigor and competitiveness of the Paraná economy, but also its ability to adapt and diversify in an ever-changing global economic environment. With a renewed focus on strategic sectors and emerging markets, Paraná is well positioned to continue its growth trajectory and contribute significantly to Brazil’s development.