Determinants of Brazilian sugar exports, 2002–2017

Abstract

The objective is to evaluate the effects of international trade variables on the trade flows of sugar exports from Brazil, with emphasis on trade partners in the European Union, the United States and other selected countries, from 2002 to 2017. To this end, of the Gravitational Model. The evidence is consonant with the theoretical basis for the influence of variables of economic dynamism, transportation costs, sanitary and non-sanitary measures, and the validity of trade agreements on the Brazilian sugar export flow. The exception refers to the indication that, throughout the 21st century, there is greater international competitiveness and productive dynamism of Brazilian sugar despite the adverse effects of import tariffs. However, the need for Brazil to deepen its trade relations prevails in order to leverage and consolidate its importance and international competitiveness in the sugar market, including the possibility of positive effects in terms of market power.