The Brazilian government is negotiating with countries in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas to open new export markets or expand sales to those who are already buyers of Brazilian agricultural products. Exporters expect some results from these efforts to be reaped this year.
In November and December alone, there were about 10 audits by importing countries in Brazil for the expansion of authorizations to slaughterhouses. Representatives from the European Union, United States, Russia, China, East Timor, and Mexico were in the country during this period. The Philippines and South Korea conducted two audits each. The evaluations had different scopes.
Throughout 2023, there were 78 new market openings for Brazilian agricultural products, in 39 countries.
According to Paulo Mustefaga, president of the Brazilian Association of Meatpackers (Abrafrigo), besides China, authorities from the Philippines also organized a mission to the country to increase the number of Brazilian slaughterhouse plants approved to sell to their market.
There is also, according to Mustefaga, ongoing negotiation with Indonesia with the same objective. Regarding market openings, he highlights South Korea, a major meat importer, as a target.
The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) states that among the markets that may open in the coming years for pork, the most promising are Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Colombia.
“It is also expected to expand in South Korea and Japan, which only buy products from Santa Catarina – until recently, the only foot-and-mouth disease-free zone in the country. Now, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Acre also meet this condition,” said ABPA president Ricardo Santin.
For poultry, the ABPA highlights negotiations with El Salvador and Guatemala, and with the countries of the Caribbean Community. According to the association, there is also an expectation that European Union authorities will approve the “pre-listing” system for Brazilian slaughterhouses.
Mexico
The rapid growth of the Mexican economy and recent openings for the shipment of Brazilian beef and pork to the country have already led to a leap in bilateral trade relations. Now, Mexico’s decision to suspend import tariffs on a list of food products for another year should further benefit the sales of Brazilian meats to the country, according to the ABPA.
Before the measure, Brazilian pork was subject to an import tariff of 16%, and chicken meat, up to 75%.