China is already the largest buyer of Brazilian soybeans and meat. Now, other segments of the agribusiness sector are looking to increase their footprint in the country, capitalizing on the momentum generated by trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. At least nine sectors will be represented in the delegation: beef, poultry and pork, corn, corn ethanol and DDG, fruit, coffee, cotton, citrus, and biotechnology. In 2024, Brazilian exports to China neared $50 billion.

The agenda includes business events organized by national trade associations with Chinese importers, missions to inland provinces to attract new buyers and study consumer behavior, and even the inauguration of a joint office in Beijing for Brazilian exporters of poultry, pork, and beef.

President Lula is also scheduled to visit China on May 12–13 to attend the China-CELAC Forum, and is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro and Silvia Massruhá, head of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), will also be part of the official entourage.

The scale of the Brazilian delegation is the result of several converging factors. Some organizations had scheduled their visits in advance, while others joined the initiative after the government confirmed President Lula’s trip, viewing the escalating tariffs between the U.S. and China as a strategic opening. Some executives had already planned to attend Sial China, the country’s largest food trade fair, taking place in Shanghai from May 19 to 21.

Both public and private stakeholders view this moment as a timely opportunity to strengthen ties with China and increase Brazil’s commercial presence there. “The massive presence of agribusiness leaders in China symbolizes this window of opportunity,” said Luis Rua, secretary of trade and international relations at the Ministry of Agriculture.

“It’s now clear that the reciprocal tariffs make U.S. products unviable in the Chinese market. Brazilian sectors see this as the right time to deepen relations and seize the chance to introduce new products,” Mr. Rua told Valor. “The trade war gives a boost to sectors that may not have been as well organized to operate in China. It’s important for Brazil to show that we’re a partner ready to engage when needed.”

The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) and the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) will open a permanent office in Beijing to solidify their presence. Beef producers aim to boost sales in inland Chinese cities, while poultry and pork processors are eyeing opportunities left by the U.S. absence.

In the fruit segment, the focus is on unlocking exports of melons and grapes, which are already authorized but have yet to gain significant market traction. The Brazilian Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas) is sending a 42-person delegation to better understand local preferences and market dynamics to negotiate more effectively with Chinese buyers.

“Properly positioning our product is essential to maintaining a long-term trade relationship. We’re fully capable of competing if we understand their needs and respond accordingly,” said Jorge de Souza, technical manager at Abrafrutas.

Though the mission was planned before Donald Trump returned to the White House, his renewed conflict with Beijing has become a “new factor” for Brazilian businesses. The U.S. is currently China’s top supplier of grapes, and Brazilian exporters are hoping to tap into the market during China’s winter months, from December to May, when local production is limited.

The coffee segment is also optimistic. Brazilian producers believe Chinese buyers are willing to pay a premium for Brazilian beans. Márcio Ferreira, president of the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (CeCafé), will be in China for meetings with government officials and participation in trade fairs. “There will be many initiatives to strengthen ties and expand coffee trade,” he told Valor.

*By Rafael Walendorff, Isadora Camargo and Cleyton Vilarino, Globo Rural — Brasília and São Paulo

Source: Valor International

https://valorinternational.globo.com/