Inserção internacional da cadeia produtiva da tilápia e a influência dos fatores regionais

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and evaluate the existence of regional factors in the internationalization process of the tilapia production chain in the main producing states in Brazil, through the diagnosis of its structure. Semi-structured interviews were carried out in order to determine, among the stakeholders of the production chain, which factors influence internationalization, and later compare the results with data obtained through secondary sources. Thus, we sought to identify opportunities and propose recommendations to the public and private sectors in order to enhance the tilapia internationalization process. This process is even more relevant in a scenario of an average annual growth of 3.1% in fish consumption between 1961 and 2017 - almost double the average annual growth of the world population during the same period (1.6%). This study presents current data on: Brazilian aquaculture exports; production; existence of slaughterhouses with SIF (Federal Inspection Seal); presence of international cargo airports; GDP per capita of the states; existence of exporting companies; and dollar exchange rate. Through the interviews it was possible to identify that the factors have an influence on the quantity to be exported and on the product (fresh or frozen), but it is not a decisive factor to start the internationalization, and the national factors have more influence in this process, such as domestic demand. Finally, a situational panorama of Tocantins is presented and recommendations are proposed so that the state can also operate in the sector.