OECD publishes transport and trade statistics Cause for concern in Brazil
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) analysed the development of Brazil’s trade in the second quarter of 2012. In the light of declining airfreight volumes the sixth-largest economy in the world has cause for worry. Customers at the country’s airports have voiced concern.
The OECD recently published a snapshot of the Brazilian economy for the first time. The analysis is based on data for up to August, and would appear to point towards a continuation of the prevailing economic uncertainty. Whilst foreign trade conducted through the country’s maritime ports continues to flourish and stands 13% above the levels registered before the latest economic downturn set in in 2009, the exchange of goods with neighbouring countries carried by the roads (–15%) and the railways
(–38%) has stagnated.
Developments in the airfreight sector, considered a leading economic indicator, are an even greater cause for worry, as the sector shows a 5% decline. Both imports (–4%) and exports (–11%) are lower than the figures recorded in June 2008 and are said by the OECD to reflect «weak national and international demand». Over and above this, airport infrastructure is poorly prepared to handle more cargo. A lack of warehouse space and of perishables facilities causes concern for clients – rightly so, as was illustrated by an essentially minor incident recently. The tyre of an MD-11 of the US full-freighter operator Centurion Cargo burst at the country’s second-largest airfreight hub at Campinas Viracopos airport (see ITJ 43-44/2012, page 32). This shut its only runway down for two days.