SIMIC

During the same timeframe, Argentina exports grew 4.9 per cent and Uruguay decreased 0.5 per cent. However, consolidated growth in the region increased six per cent.

"China, was the main destination of exports through refrigerated containers from Brazil and from the Rio de la Plata, with 164,189 TEU exported during the period, followed by the Netherlands, with 46,560 TEU," said the report.

"The growth of exports through refrigerated containers and the fall in imports due to the weakening of the economy caused by the coronavirus and the high price of the dollar caused an imbalance in the availability of containers in general," said Swiss-based Datamars.

The lack of equipment caused a decline in Brazilian meat exports to Arab countries by 30 per cent during the first nine months of the year.

"Orders collapsed due to global logistics disrupted by the pandemic and China's enormous buying power," said Datamars.

As Brazil continues to import fewer products from the Arab market, ships continue to return empty, adding to the inflated costs from the pandemic.