A foreign trade company is one of the few types of companies that can claim to be born without borders. And with so many countries available to do business, why approach Canada exactly? HS Trade, based in Fortaleza, found the answer in the food and beverage industry. “The Canadian market for natural products is growing, and one of its main characteristics is to look for items of excellence, such as those offered by the Brazilian producer,” explains Tamara Paiva, the company’s import and export supervisor.
More than half of the fruit pulp produced in Ceará goes to the Northeast and, according to the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Exporting Producers (Abrafrutas), already takes a slice of international markets. The pulp is part of the processed fruit segment, which, according to information from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, grew 10.5% in 2018 compared to 2017.
Last year, the country exported almost 900 tons of fruits, including fresh fruit. This number represents less than 1% of what the Brazilian agribusiness exports. So, there is room to grow, and Canada may be one of the best partners for this journey. Trademap figures show that Canada is the world’s fourth-largest fruit importer, behind the US, China, Russia, and the European Union.
“With CCBC, we conducted a research in the Canadian pulp and organic market, and we really appreciate the Chamber’s work and service. Next year we have plans to participate in a trade mission,” says the HS Trade supervisor, a member of the institution for two years.
The organic products industry is another national highlight. In a study by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (Ifoam), Brazil is appointed as the leader in the Latin American market. The organic products segment had revenues 20% higher in 2018 compared to 2017.
Deliveries ranging from gas turbines to eyeglass frames
Tamara says HS Trade makes door-to-door delivery and serves organizations from all sectors. The company’s activities include import/export of mobile phone accessories, home products, eyeglass frames, and even microorganisms for the animal feed industry.
It also renders transportation services for sensitive or non-standard sized cargo. Tamara remembers an event when HS Trade had to send gas turbines from Fortaleza to New York, USA. As the term was short, instead of being shipped by sea, the cargo was boarded on an international flight after they were sent to another state, because the turbines were too large for the planes available in the capital of Ceará. “All was done with extreme care, as the cargo could not be damaged under any circumstances,” says the supervisor.
Strategy and logistics cost reduction
One of HS Trade’s differentials is its strategic performance. In addition to the free breakdown of import and export costs, the company acts as the clients’ foreign trade department. It conducts market research and sourcing activities, identifying suppliers, and obtaining a better cost for purchasing products and services.
“As we are co-responsible for all stages of our service, we pay above-average attention to our work. We monitor documentation, deadlines, and legislation closely. Everything is checked in detail and communicated transparently to customers,” says Tamara.
