Data released by Apex-Brasil’s Q1 Europe Trade Monitor reveals that demand for British products increased dramatically at the start of the year, while the UK’s demand for Brazilian coffee also rose.

Apex-Brasil, the Brazilian Trade and Promotion Agency, reported a 46% rise in British food and drink imports compared to the same period last year, totalling £8.6 million.

In the other direction, Brazil’s exports of coffee to the UK increased in volume by 23%, with a 5% value increase to £22.6 million.

Brazilian exports of sugar to the UK grew by 21% in Q1 2021, when compared to 2020. Apex-Brasil stated the upsurge is directly related to a new sugar import quota implemented by the British government, allowing higher volumes of sugar cane to be imported tariff free.

Soybean exports to the UK fell by 39% to a value of £17.3 million as a result of delayed harvests. However, exports of the same product to the EU rose by 12%.