A major trade show in Sao Paulo this week has provided Brazilian importers with a vital platform to source cost-effective products directly from Chinese manufacturers, as Brazil is struggling with volatile currency and unfavorable trade conditions.
The recent depreciation of Brazil's currency has significantly impacted trade dynamics in the country. While exports have gained momentum and revenue from international commodities has risen, Brazilian importers are facing increasing challenges.
For importers, finding the best deals is a critical aspect of their business, especially when exchange rates are unfavorable. Many are exploring market opportunities at Brazil's premier fair for Chinese consumer goods--the China Homelife Expo.
"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,”said Elson Pereira de Souza, an importer and retailer.
Marlon Glauber Faria, a manufacturer, echoed this sentiment. "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,”he said.
The instability of the Brazilian currency has made it difficult for importers to plan ahead, as the cost of imported goods can fluctuate significantly.
"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 is going to deliver a surplus in 2024 or even 2025. So, all that together [has] made the Brazilian currency more volatile throughout 2024," said Andre Perfeito, an economist.
The organizer of China Homelife Brazil emphasized that importers can reduce costs by connecting directly with Chinese manufacturers, thereby bypassing intermediaries.
"You can find some people in a virtual way, but face-to-face is always the best. Not only [for] regular importers, but also [for] entrepreneurs that can come here face-to-face with those manufactures with a kind of special support from the organization," said Anselmo Carvalho, CEO of Expo Solutions.
This year, approximately 800 suppliers are participating in China Homelife Brazil, confident that nurturing direct business ties remains essential, even in a challenging environment.
Brazilian importers seek cost-effective solutions at Chinese consumer goods expo
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
