China is the leading destination for Brazilian exports

On August 15, 1974, Brazil and China established diplomatic relations, paving the way for China to become Brazil's largest trading partner. This Thursday (15th) marks the 50th anniversary of diplomacy between the two nations. 

“It is President Lula’s directive that we restore strong diplomatic relations with other countries. Over these 50 years, we have had many commercial opportunities with China, which has since become our largest partner. Here at the Ministry of Agriculture, we work to ensure even greater economic bilateral progress,” emphasized Carlos Fávaro, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock. 

According to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bilateral relationship is anchored in the China-Brazil High-Level Coordination and Cooperation Commission (COSBAN), established in 2004. This partnership was elevated to the status of a global strategic partnership in 2012, and this year marks 20 years since COSBAN’s creation. 

The Ministry of Agriculture’s Secretariat of Trade and International Relations reports that between July 2023 and July 2024, China was the top destination for Brazilian agribusiness exports, totaling $57.94 billion—an 8.9% increase compared to the previous period. A record was set in 2023, with exports exceeding $60 billion, an increase of over $9 billion compared to 2022. 

In the first half of 2024 alone, Brazil exported $28.44 billion in agricultural products to China. The main products exported to China include soybeans, corn, sugar, beef, poultry, cellulose, cotton, and pork. 

As part of this bilateral relationship, Brazil also imports goods from China, such as forestry and textile products, with these imports amounting to approximately $1.18 billion. 

“Diplomatic relations between Brazil and China, particularly under President Lula and Minister Carlos Fávaro’s leadership, have reached an unprecedented level. Through successful diplomacy, we have reaped the benefits of robust trade negotiations, solidifying China as our primary strategic partner in agribusiness,” remarked Roberto Perosa, Secretary of the Ministry. 

A significant factor in the growth of exports was China’s authorization in March 2024 for 38 new Brazilian meatpacking plants, including 34 slaughterhouses and 4 cold stores—the highest number of authorizations granted. The number of Brazilian companies exporting to China increased from 106 to 144. 

Minister Carlos Fávaro has already led two ministerial missions to China, the most recent in June this year, accompanying Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. During the mission, the Federal Government secured an agreement to promote Brazilian coffee in China’s largest coffeehouse chain, with an estimated purchase of approximately 120,000 tons of coffee. 

To maintain dialogue and strong trade relations, China is currently the only country with two Brazilian agricultural attaché posts in Beijing. 

Perosa further stated that the restoration of dialogue with China has enabled significant advancements, such as the expansion of key product exports, further strengthening Brazil’s role on the global stage. 



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