On August 15, 1974, Brazil and China began diplomatic relations that years later would make the Asian country Brazil’s main trading partner. This Thursday (15), 50 years of diplomacy between the two countries are celebrated.
“President Lula has determined that we resume good diplomatic relations with the countries. In these 50 years, we have had many commercial opportunities with China, so much so that it has become our biggest partner. Here at Mapa we are working to ensure that we have more bilateral economic progress,” highlighted the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), the bilateral relationship is structured in the Sino-Brazilian High-Level Commission for Consultation and Cooperation (COSBAN), created in 2004, was raised to the level of a global strategic partnership in 2012 and this year marks the 20th anniversary of its creation.
According to the Secretariat of Trade and International Relations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (SCRI), between July 2023 and July 2024, China was the main destination for Brazilian agribusiness exports, totaling US$57.94 billion. There was an increase of 8.9% compared to the previous period. There was a record in 2023 with exports of more than US$60 billion, an increase of more than US$9 billion compared to 2022.
Brazil exported US$28.44 billion in agricultural products to China in the first half of 2024.
The main products exported to China are soybeans, corn, sugar, beef, chicken, cellulose, cotton and fresh pork.
Being a bilateral relationship, as well as exporting, Brazil also imported products from the Asian country, such as forestry products and textiles. Imports total approximately US$ 1.18 billion.
“Diplomatic relations between Brazil and China, especially under the administration of President Lula and Minister Carlos Fávaro, have reached an unprecedented level. From successful diplomacy, we have reaped the rewards of robust trade negotiations, which have consolidated China as our main strategic partner in agribusiness,” highlighted SCRI Secretary Roberto Perosa.
An important factor in the growth of exports was that in March 2024 alone, China authorized 38 new Brazilian meat processing plants, including 34 meat processing plants and 4 commercial warehouses, the largest number of authorizations granted. The number of Brazilian companies increased from 106 to 144.
Minister Carlos Fávaro has already carried out two ministerial missions to China. The last one was in June of this year in a delegation with the Vice President of the Republic, Geraldo Alckmin. During the mission, the Federal Government closed an agreement to promote Brazilian coffee in the largest Chinese coffee shop chain, foreseeing the purchase of approximately 120 thousand tons of coffee.
In order to maintain dialogue and good commercial relations, China is currently the only country that has two Brazilian agricultural attaché posts in Beijing.
Perosa also states that the restoration of a fruitful dialogue with the Asian country allows for significant advances, such as expanding exports of key products, further strengthening Brazil’s role on the global stage.
With information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/08/15/exportacoes-do-agro-brasileiro-para-a-china-aumentam-89-nos-ultimos-12-meses/
