BRAZIL

Feedback from the Trade on Their Plans and Interest in the USA Pear Season:

The market is considered clean, and the traders are talking about USA Pears. The main obstacles are pricing and logistics, which are connected. The final landed price is being highly influenced by the overall cost of the logistics for this season. There is interest in Bartlett, Anjou and Red Anjou.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

The logistics for this season has solved one of the major issues of the past seasons, which is transit time. With the sea shipment starting after the Panama Canal, the transit has reduced considerably. But this model has an attached cost that makes the landed cost for NW Pears jump tremendously, almost doubling the FOB pricing. The great news is that the first Bartlett shipment arrived in perfect condition!

Opportunities in Your Market for Specific Varieties, Sizes, and Grades:

Brazil does prefer the Bartlett variety over all others. The season timing and the costs allied to good arrivals will determine the future for this variety in the market. Sizes from 80 to 120, US#1 and Fancy grades are sought out. Anjou would be the second variety, and the most exported in the past seasons as it travels better, sizes 70 to 120, US#1 and Fancy grades. There is interest in Red Anjou too, as well as an increasing interest in organic pears - small volumes, but a start.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Argentina is finishing its volume and prices are climbing. Spain does have some presence, but a lot less than in the past. Portugal still has a presence in the market, but is struggling to fulfill its orders. Belgium continues with its small volume of Conference pears, shipped to two traders only. China has steady availability of its Asian pears.

Political or Economic Issues Impacting Imports, Retail, or Consumer Behavior:

The US Brazil tariff battle continues on; so far it has affected only the Brazilian exports to the USA, with no retaliation. The recent meeting between both presidents has brought some optimism for the end of this subject soon. Internally, the political sector has entered into presidential election mode in preparation for October 2026. The private sector is working separately from the political sector on every ground they can, sometimes suffering with the lack of acts. Recently some criminal waves have hit some of the main cities, creating more turmoil with the political scenario.

Other Brief Comments:

The retail sector is undergoing some challenges. For the past 18 months at least, some chains are leaving a loss in their sales. Some because of their own managerial problems, but also due to the across-the-board increase in the prices of products. The reduction of purchasing power and consumers spacing out their store trips also plays a role and is a reality for middle and lower class. Meanwhile, consumption is high for the upper class.