The importation of strawberries from Egypt has increased dramatically in recent years, with the Brazilian market feeling a notable impact, especially in Minas Gerais, which is the leading strawberry-producing region in the country. Local farmers are voicing concerns over what they describe as unfair competition, as the increased availability of imported strawberries has resulted in a sharp drop in prices paid to Brazilian farmers. The situation has provoked anxiety among producers in the area, as they struggle to maintain profitability amid growing foreign competition.

According to the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil imported approximately 743 tons of strawberries in 2024, a figure that jumped to about 2,000 tons in the following year. Much of the imported produce is utilized by the food industry for products like yogurts, jams, and other derivatives, which reflects a significant shift in supply dynamics within the domestic market. The increased volume of Egyptian strawberries has transformed market pricing, leading to a considerable decline in the cost for local farmers.

The implications of this surge in strawberry imports are profound, particularly for those farmers who rely on stable prices for their livelihoods. For instance, within supply centers such as Ceasinha in Bom Repouso, the price of industrial strawberries has plummeted from around R$ 5.00 per kilogram in 2022 to about R$ 1.50 currently. This drastic drop raises critical questions about the sustainability of domestic agricultural production and the potential long-term effects on local economies that are heavily reliant on strawberry farming.