China - September 20, 2024

Brazilian importers source cost-effective products at Chinese consumer goods expo.

Looking for the best deals is just part of life for an importer. But that becomes even more critical when exchange rates are not favorable. CGTN spoke to a few Brazilian importers sourcing products and gauging the market at the country's main fair for Chinese consumer goods: the China Homelife Expo.

Shotlist:

Elson Pereira de Souza, Importer and retailer:

"The fluctuation of the dollar is a problem. When you calculate the cost of doing business, sometimes you reach the conclusion that it's not really worth it."

Marlon Glauber Faria, Manufacturer:

"It used to be better, right The dollar is a bit high, international freight is unfavorable, but we still persist. Why? Because we think it's still advantageous."

Paulo Cabral, Reporter:

"The recent depreciation and instability of Brazil's currency have posed challenges for importers, making products more expensive for consumers and complicating their efforts to plan ahead."

Andre Perfeito, Economist:

"We see a lot of volatility in Brazilian currency because of the fiscal side. When it comes to the fiscal balance of the central government, many economists do not believe that the administration or the Finance Minister will deliver a surplus in 2024 or even 2025. So, all that together has made the Brazilian currency more volatile throughout 2024."

The organizer of China Homelife Brazil points out that importers can cut costs here because they contact Chinese manufacturers directly, bypassing intermediaries.

Anselmo Carvalho, CEO, Expo Solutions:

"You can find some people virtually, but face-to-face is always the best. Not only for regular importers, but also for entrepreneurs, they can come here, face-to-face with those manufacturers with kind of special support from the organization."

Some 800 suppliers are taking part in China Homelife Brazil this year, confident that direct business ties are worth nurturing - even amid a more challenging environment.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]