New Opportunities for Ceará: Infrastructure and Trade Agreements Pave the Way for Exports to Europe
- Florian Knupfer
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 20
Ceará is currently experiencing a phase of strong forward momentum. Two recent developments are creating ideal conditions to bring high-quality products from Northeast Brazil to the European market more successfully and sustainably than ever before:
The opening of a new refrigerated terminal at the Port of Pecém, and
The new Mercosur–EFTA Free Trade Agreement
For Eurobras, a company rooted in Ceará and headquartered in Switzerland, these shifts create unique opportunities to connect producers and customers on both sides of the Atlantic more closely than ever.
1) New Export Capacity: The Refrigerated Terminal in Pecém
The Port of Pecém is rapidly developing into a strategic hub for international trade. In 2024 alone, the port handled over 27 million tons of goods — a 7% increase compared to the previous year.
More than 30% of this volume consisted of food and agricultural products, including cashew nuts, tropical fruits, fish, and seafood.
A Swiss logistics company has now sent a clear signal of confidence in the region: In September 2025, a state-of-the-art refrigerated and frozen goods terminal was inaugurated.
Key assets of the new terminal:
Total area: 6,000 m² for storage and handling
Capacity: over 10,000 pallet positions
Temperature range: +2°C to –25°C for sensitive products
Investment volume: approx. USD 20 million
Already, 25 companies from various sectors are in discussions regarding long-term cooperation with the terminal operator.
2) What This Means for Exporters
The investment strengthens the entire region by providing:
Reliable cold-chain logistics from producer to the European destination
Faster processing times → reduced waiting times and lower costs
Enhanced quality assurance, especially for premium items such as cashew nuts and fruit purées
💡 For Eurobras, this means:
“We can operate even more efficiently, shorten lead times, and provide our European customers with maximum product safety and traceability.”
3) Mercosur–EFTA Trade Agreement
Alongside infrastructure development, political progress is adding major momentum. After years of negotiations, Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay) has concluded a free trade agreement with the EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein).
Key elements of the agreement:
Tariff reduction: Up to 95% of tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods will be gradually eliminated.For many food products, tariffs are expected to drop to 0% within the next 5 years.
Streamlined customs procedures: Digital processing is expected to significantly reduce transit times.
Improved market access: Brazilian producers gain better access to a market of over 14 million consumers in the EFTA region.
Investment incentives: European companies are encouraged to invest in production and logistic structures in Brazil.
For premium products such as cashew nuts and processed fruit ingredients, this represents a genuine turning point:
Increased competitiveness through transparent, more attractive pricing
Reduced bureaucratic barriers and more efficient supply chains
Better purchasing conditions for European customers
💬 An EFTA spokesperson commented:
“This agreement sends a strong signal in support of free trade and economic partnership between South America and Europe.”
4) Eurobras: A Bridge Beteween Ceara and Europe
Eurobras sits at the heart of these developments.With headquarters in Switzerland and deep family roots in Ceará, our mission is clear: We bring high-quality products from Northeast Brazil directly to Europe — transparently, fairly, and sustainably.
Our core portfolio:
Cashew nuts — raw, roasted, various grades
Fruit purées — mango, passionfruit, pineapple, acerola, açaí and more
Fruit concentrates & sorbets for gastronomy, foodservice and industrial applications
With improved infrastructure and favorable new trade conditions, we are positioned to:
Shorten delivery times
Reduce costs for customers
Ensure the highest quality standards
“Ceará is ready to supply Europe with its best products — and Eurobras ensures they arrive exactly where they are needed.”
5) Outlook: Strong Foundation for the Future
The combination of a modern refrigerated terminal and a comprehensive free trade agreement provides ideal conditions for the coming years. Eurobras will leverage this momentum to further expand exports from Ceará — together with producers, logistics partners, and customers.
Our ambition goes beyond simply exporting products.We aim to build long-term, sustainable partnerships that create measurable added value for everyone involved — from grower to end customer.
Sources & further reading:
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