2025年巴西化工贸易逆差创新高

Core Insights - Brazil's chemical industry is projected to achieve net revenue of $167.8 billion in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 2.9% despite facing challenges from cheap imports and a record trade deficit of $56.8 billion [1][1][1] Industry Performance - The total chemical imports in Brazil surged by 13% to $72.4 billion, while exports were only $15.5 billion, indicating a significant imbalance in trade [1][1] - The industry's capacity utilization remains low at 64%, marking one of the lowest levels in recent decades [1][1] Challenges and Government Response - The CEO of Abiquim, André Passos, noted that the industry is experiencing a mix of challenges and achievements, with progress in enhancing competitiveness, safeguarding jobs, and transitioning towards sustainability [1][1] - Government trade protection measures have been credited with stabilizing the industry, reversing previous trends of declining sales, idle capacity, and loss of competitiveness [1][1] Market Concerns - Market participants have raised concerns that the wave of protectionism in Brazil could lead to discrepancies within the supply chain, as tariffs increase operational costs [1][1] - The president of the Brazilian Plastics Processing Association, Paulo Teixeira, criticized decades of protectionism for failing to foster a competitive manufacturing sector, instead distorting the market and benefiting monopolistic enterprises [1][1]