Morocco strengthens trade relations with Brazil following Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock mission

Recently, a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) visited Morocco with the aim of sharing Brazilian successful agricultural practices and enhancing commercial ties between the two countries. 

In partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), representatives from Mapa, along with Brazilian entrepreneurs, participated in the 16th edition of the International Agriculture Fair in Morocco (Siam) in Meknes, one of the largest events of its kind in Africa. 

Led by Deputy Secretary of Trade and International Relations, Julio Ramos, the Ministry's representatives held bilateral meetings with Moroccan government officials, focusing particularly on discussions with the National Office of Food Safety of Morocco (ONSSA). The aim was to explore mutually beneficial agreements in agriculture. 

Accompanied by Brazilian ambassador to Morocco, diplomat Alexandre Parola, and agricultural attaché Ellen Laurindo, the Brazilian delegation made progress in negotiations to expand the Moroccan market for Brazilian products. Discussions included dairy, natural bovine casings, honey, bee products, leather, and bovine genetic material.  

Additionally, talks touched upon the possibility of opening tariff quotas for beef and poultry imports, considering that Moroccan tariffs can go as high as 200% for frozen beef and 100% for fresh chicken meat. Moreover, Mapa representatives agreed to allow the importation of mandarins from Morocco to Brazil.  

Julio Ramos acknowledged the leadership of Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at Mapa, Roberto Perosa, and Itamaraty for their efforts in expanding Brazilian agricultural trade internationally. He highlighted the positive reception of Brazilian foreign policy and sanitary controls, expressing optimism for future collaborations with the Moroccan government. 

Morocco's decision to import Brazilian pet food is part of a broader trend. In 2023, the country became the fourth largest African destination for Brazilian exports, totaling US$ 1.23 billion, contributing to a bilateral trade volume of US$ 2.65 billion between the two countries.  
 

Mission in Spain  
 
Before visiting Morocco, the Deputy Secretary of Mapa, along with technical advisor Thiago Arcebispo and agricultural attaché Nilton de Morais, visited Barcelona, Spain. They represented the Ministry at the Seafood Expo Global, the largest event in the seafood sector known for highlighting trends in processing, packaging, quality control, and food safety. 

The event, organized by ApexBrasil and Abipesca (Brazilian Association of Seafood Industries), in collaboration with various ministries, provided an opportunity for Brazilian representatives to engage with authorities from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with the aim of advancing new market access for Brazilian fishing products.  

The delegation also visited the Nestlé factory in Girona, one of the company's largest coffee factories. Brazil, a major exporter to the facility, processes 1% of the world's coffee, exporting to various regions worldwide.