In 1990, about 3.1 million acres there were planted to soybeans. Last year, the figure was about 14 million. To a lesser degree, growth has also occurred in the traditional areas, which include states such as Rio Grande do Sul and Mato Grosso. A powerful force Brazil's appreciation of soybeans goes well beyond the farm sector. They've become increasingly vital to the national economy, making the industry a powerful political force.
Brazil ranks second to the U.S. in soybean exports and first in exports of soybean meal.
Because the Brazilian crop is harvested during the North American winter, it can command international market niches occupied during other months by U.S. products. Top customers include Europe and China. Over protests from the U.S. soybean industry, the U.S. is also an occasional customer. This year, Brazil exported a shipment of soybean meal to livestock producers in North Carolina, reportedly to cover rail shipping and supply problems from the Midwest. Portugal said Brazil does not view the U.S. as a steady market, but indicated that from time to time, shipping Brazilian soybean products to North America might make sense.