Brazilian textiles and clothing exports to Arab world increased by 87.5 percent to USD 3 million in January and February this year from USD 1.6 billion from the comparable period in 2016, according to numbers from the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit).

The increment was almost exclusively a result of synthetic fabric and sisal rope for use in ships and rigs. Abit’s survey of exports encompasses different items in the production chain, from raw materials, like fibers, yarns and filaments, to technical and non-fabric textiles (which are used in industries such as civil construction) and clothing.

According to Lilian Kaddissi, the executive manager for the Texbrasil program, exports of beachwear, textile yarns and intimate wear also went up in the first two months of the year, but the amount was not relevant to total sales numbers. Ropes accounted for some USD 1 million. Kaddissi notes that the two-month timeframe is too short.

Texbrasil is a program designed by Abit and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) to foster Brazilian textile and apparel industry exports. Kaddissi said that exports to Arab countries by companies affiliated with the program widened by 40% last year, from USD 2.9 million in 2015 to USD 4.1 million in 2016.

In Abit’s total export numbers, the United Arab Emirates bought the most from the Brazil textile and apparel industry in January and February. Next come Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Lebanon. Arab countries are important buying markets for Brazilian companies, especially in party wear, children’s wear, and beachwear.