EN 
PT_BR Brokers and traders fear, more than the producers themselves, a possible drop in the prices of carioca beans. In fact, this movement has already begun to occur in recent days. Outside the farm gate, it is known that any drop in prices will imply extraordinary pressure from retailers for immediate reductions — and it will only take half a dozen buyers to enter the market for prices to react. Nothing new — but it is known that the wear and tear is great when, even momentarily, prices drop.
During the Brazil Superfoods Summit, held in Brasília, it became clear that for Brazil to gain greater relevance in the Central American black bean market, the government will need to mobilize to reduce or eliminate import tariffs in some countries. All countries that are part of the FTAA apply high tariffs, which in some cases exceed 25% for purchases made outside the bloc. This scenario will be analyzed together with the federal government, considering two paths: negotiating as a Mercosur bloc with the FTAA or conducting bilateral negotiations, country by country.
The challenge lies in the fact that, for some of these countries, purchasing products outside the agreements of their respective blocs can generate diplomatic problems. In situations of significant production disruptions by the region's main suppliers, exceptions are made — but these are generally temporary measures.
In view of this, it is urgent that Brazil treats beans as a strategic issue. Expanding access to foreign markets depends on political coordination, commercial diplomacy and, above all, the understanding that beans are a noble food, essential to the food security of several countries, and that they can be a protagonist in the export agenda of Brazilian agriculture.
