Brazilian Shipyards Bet on Export Business

    SAO PAULO, BRAZIL, September 25, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Despite weighing on the consumers' pockets, the strong appreciation of the commercial dollar enables the Brazilian boat industry to resume export activities. Schaefer Yachts, for example, has been exporting for over 10 years to countries such as the US, Jordan, England, Italy and Angola, in addition to those with ancient nautical tradition such as Norway and Sweden, but with the low dollar value faced a period of stagnation, which has now ended as foreign businesses successfully resume.

With a 24 years footprint, Schaefer Yachts, the largest manufacturer in the Brazilian nautical sector building and selling a wide portfolio including boats and yachts from 30 to 83 feet, are now celebrating the opportunity to resume international business, as highlighted by Pedro Phelippe, industrial director of this renowned shipyard from Santa Catarina, in the South of Brazil, "We are pleased to reopen negotiations with the US, Norway, England and Angola". By 2017, the shipyard is also implementing a plant in South Korea, a worldwide large shipbuilding industry leader, which however does not yet offer leisure craft and sites.

As business resume in the boat industry it helps the Brazilian trade balance which presented in August this year a surplus, according to the Foreign Trade Ministry. Colunna shipyard - Jet Boats manufacturer which exported to the United States, Sweden, Italy and Angola when the dollar exchange rate was more favorable, now with the exchange rate above 3.80 real, also resumed negotiations with foreign companies and is currently prospecting new business' destinations.

The luxury market also finds new opportunities in this scenario, as it is the case for Azimut Yachts in Brazil, a subsidiary of Azimut-Benetti Group, the largest luxury yacht builder in the world, which recently announced that its Azimut 42 model - exclusively manufactured in Brazil and previously sold in domestic territory only, will now be available in more than 68 countries where the company has offices.

"This great deal recently done by the global brand management team in Italy represents an important step towards the development of the Azimut plant in Brazil reinforcing our highest quality, our strength and presence in the Brazilian market. Therefore, by the next boating season, we will also be able to export the 42 feet model, already successful with Brazilian customers. And by expanding our markets it will certainly impact not only our production sales, but also reflect on the country's economic development and the creation of new jobs in Brazil," adds Davide Breviglieri, CEO of Azimut Brazil.

These leading industry shipyards and others will be exhibiting at the Sao Paulo Boat Show - the largest indoor boat show in Latin America, which promises to stir up the nautical market, from 1-6 October, at the Transamerica Expo Center, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. With over 100 exhibitors, the 18th edition of the event showcases the widest product range of the nautical universe including boats, yachts, jets, inflatable kayaks, engines and accessories.

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