For the first time in 15 years, India is No. 1 food supplier to Arab nations

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For the first time in 15 years, India is No. 1 food supplier to Arab nations (Image: Pixabay)
For the first time in 15 years, India is No. 1 food supplier to Arab nations (Image: Pixabay)

New Delhi : For the first time in last 15 years, India has surpassed Brazil in terms of food exports to the League of Arab States, according to data provided by the Arab-Brazil Chamber of Commerce to Reuters on Tuesday.

The Arab world is among Brazil's most important trade partners, but after the COVID situation trade flows disrupted and distance between the two markets took its toll, giving India a chance to take over the food exports.

Brazil accounted for 8.15% of the total agribusiness products imported by the 22 League members last year, whereas India captured 8.25% of that trade, ending Brazil's 15-year advantage, the data showed.

As mentioned in the report, the Brazilian shipments to Saudi Arabia that once took 30 days now takes up to 60 days, whereas India's geographic advantages allow it to ship fruits, vegetables, sugar, grains and meat in as little as week.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has started promotion of domestic food productions while seeking alternative suppliers to fulfill the needs of the residents.

"It's a turning point. The Saudis are still big buyers, but they are also net re-exporters of food," the Chamber said in a statement.