Proposed strategies for the internationalization of Brazilian ethanol producers

Author(s)

Heidy Rodriguez Ramos

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade (FEA/SBD)
• Defense date: 2011-05-05

Examining board members

Martinho Isnard Ribeiro de Almeida; Moacir de Miranda Oliveira Júnior; Maria Sylvia Macchione Saes; Joaquim Alexandre dos Ramos Silva

• Advisor: Martinho Isnard Ribeiro de Almeida

Abstract

For this study, the low international integration of the Brazilian ethanol producers was defined as the research problem. This is so affirmed because, despite the constant increased production that the fuel has experienced in recent years, the sector is still unable to supply the international market as it has a growing domestic market that absorbs most of the output. These issues are currently among Brazil\'s major challenges, especially as a hurdle to transforming ethanol into an international commodity. For this research, three stages were considered, beginning with the identification of the Degree of Internationalization (DI) of the companies consulted to compose the case studies. Later, in step 2, the author conducted interviews with these groups to deepen the information about the internationalization process. Finally, a parallel step was carried out, in which both national and international entities were interviewed to complement the information on the international market for ethanol. The end result of the research was the proposal of strategies to contribute to the internationalization process of the ethanol producer groups, which was, at the beginning, the aim of this study. In step 1, data were collected through an electronic questionnaire sent to all groups of ethanol producers in Brazil and in the later stages, semi-structured interviews adopting the methodology of multiple case studies were conducted. The conclusion drawn was that the DI of the groups surveyed is low and the international insertion model adopted by these companies is based primarily on export (both direct and indirect) activities. Among the main strategies proposed by the author, considering the main findings of the research, the need to consider ethanol as an energy product instead of a simple agricultural output must be highlighted and, therefore, strategic alliances with companies in the oil sector to leverage ethanol distribution should be made. It is also recommended to invest in new agricultural frontiers, new technologies to increase production and new uses for ethanol (as raw material, for example) and in bilateral plans to transform the mixture of ethanol regulated in other countries. Finally, joint action should be taken to develop an international standard for the different types of ethanol, as well as internationally recognized certifications and the consolidation of an international stock exchange for its marketing. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/07025-5 - Strategies for the internationalization of carburant alcohol from the sugar-alcohol sector in Brazil
• Grantee: Heidy Rodriguez Ramos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate