The new coronavirus has arrived in Brazil, and the forecast that the national economy may be affected is beginning to be discussed by market analysts, which could be an opportunity for Ceará.
But specialists interviewed by the report considered that the reactions to the new disease in Asian stock markets could end up representing a window of opportunity to the agribusiness and the Ceará and national industry.
With the reduction of Chinese production, Brazilian exports may end up increasing to supply the market in the Asian country.
Even so, caution will be needed to prevent the virus from having an effect similar to the one registered in China's economy.
After two days of closure and the confirmation of the first case of contamination in the country, the Brazilian Stock Exchange (B3) plummeted 7%. Another worrying factor, the exchange rate also showed an unfavorable fluctuation, with the dollar appreciating 1.3% against the real.
But for Lauro Chaves, federal economic adviser and Ph.D in regional development from the University of Barcelona, it is still too early to make an accurate assessment of the impact of the new coronavirus.
Opportunities for Agribusiness
However, the situation can generate good opportunities for agribusiness and industry in Ceará. If China maintains low levels of production, explains Chaves, it may seek to expand imports to supply the absence of important products.
Among the factors for choosing the origin of these items will be, for example, the analysis of the points of contagion of the virus. Negotiating with companies from countries where the coronavirus has not yet generated contagion points can prevent the re-entry of the disease in Chinese cities.
“Agricultural production may be able to open new markets. Perhaps, agribusiness or Brazilian industry will gain, which will have opportunities with the reduction in the level of activities in China”, said Chaves.
“Many cities there are under curfew because the risk of contamination is very high, and the death rate is very severe. When there is this risk, people stay at home without working,” he added.
