EU-BRAZIL Investment Dialogue

Ceará’s exports to the European Union rise 72%

Ceará’s foreign trade registered a 72% expansion in sales destined for the European Union last year, a movement that reinforces the European bloc as the main international destination for the state’s products. The numbers were presented by Karina Frota, manager of the International Business Center of the Federation of Industries of the State of Ceará (FIEC) and president of the entity’s International Relations Council, during a meeting promoted by the Open Doors to Europe project, held at Sebrae Ceará last Friday.

According to the executive, practically a fifth of everything Ceará currently exports is destined for European countries. Italy, the Netherlands, France, Poland, and Germany are among the main buyers. Italy stands out mainly for the acquisition of exotic ornamental rocks with higher added value. Fruit farming and steelmaking also appear with a relevant share. The relationship with the European continent is no longer restricted to trade, also including productive investments, such as the partnership with the Port of Rotterdam, the presence of ArcelorMittal, and Fraport’s operation in the administration of Fortaleza Airport.

For FIEC, the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, signed in May, tends to significantly expand the commercial space for Ceará companies, as it provides for the gradual reduction of tariffs for items such as tropical fruits, footwear, vegetable waxes, and ornamental rocks. Since the signing of the pact, the entity has already been issuing certification linked to the Digital Certificate of Origin (COD) Brazil system, which proves the origin of exported goods and allows companies to access tariff benefits provided for in commercial agreements signed by Brazil. The COD Brazil is operated by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) through the Brazilian Network of International Business Centers.

Read more at: https://www.opiniaoce.com.br/economia/2026/08/23/exportacoes-do-ceara-para-a-europa-crescem-72-e-acordo-mercosul-ue-abre-novas-oportunidades/