Brazil's Agroexport Cycles: Sugar, Coffee, and Beyond

The agroexport cycles in Brazil prominently featured sugar and coffee.

Sugar Cycle

The sugar plantations were primarily located in the northeast region of Brazil. They relied on enslaved labor from Africa, with production geared towards the European market. However, soil exhaustion and the increasing difficulty of obtaining labor following the decline of the slave trade hindered the sugar cycle's continuity.

Coffee Cycle

The coffee cycle began in the Rio de Janeiro region, benefiting from the proximity to the port facilitating exports to Europe. Coffee cultivation expanded from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo, where more favorable soil and climate conditions prevailed. Coffee plantations were organized around large estates. While initially relying on enslaved labor, coffee producers increasingly favored European immigration as an alternative, especially after the abolition of slavery.

Rubber Cycle

The "rubber barons" were local entrepreneurs who produced rubber from the sap of wild trees in the Amazon. This rubber commanded high prices due to its use in manufacturing. However, the smuggling of rubber seeds to Malaysia and Ceylon led to the Amazon losing its exclusivity in global production, causing prices to collapse.

Sugarcane in Cuba

The cultivation of sugarcane in Cuba experienced significant growth following the Haitian emancipation process. The independence of the United States also contributed to this expansion. Sugar production in Cuba was organized around mills, which initially utilized enslaved labor. These enslaved workers were engaged in constant labor. In the second half of the 19th century, Cuba began modernizing its sugarcane processing. Modern machinery requiring skilled labor and electric power sources was introduced.

Modernization of Sugar Production

The cultivation and processing of sugar became distinct activities. Centralized locations became dedicated to sugarcane processing, while cultivation was undertaken only on designated lands. This required substantial capital investment and involved the dismantling of older machinery and mill buildings. U.S. investment increased significantly. The labor force was also modified, with slavery being replaced by salaried workers, including formerly enslaved people, Spanish and Chinese immigrants, and laborers from other Caribbean regions.

Diversified Exports in Mexico

In Mexico, a diversified production model prevailed, with different regions developing various products for export. This diversified basket of products allowed Mexico to better withstand price declines in primary commodities on the international market.

Peru: Guano, Nitrates, Wool, and Metals

Peru experienced export cycles centered on:

• Guano: Production along the Pacific coast and islands. This modified the trading system, with new sectors replacing older merchants from the colonial period.
• Nitrates: Production along Peru's southern coast, primarily exported to Europe and the United States. This fueled a weapons competition.
• Wool and Metals: Sourced from the Sierra region.
• Cotton, Sugar, and Rubber: Sourced from the Coast and Amazon regions.