Brazil stands as the third-largest fruit producer globally, following China and India. In 2024, Brazil's fruit exports reached USD 1.3 billion, doubling the figures from a decade ago. Despite this growth, the nation ranks 23rd among global fruit exporters. To enhance their position, 40 Brazilian entrepreneurs are set to visit Shanghai from May 12 to 19, aiming to expand exports to China.
Currently, due to Chinese government restrictions, Brazil can only export melons and grapes to China. José Carlos Hausknecht, director at MB Agro, notes, "China isn't a major fruit importer, but since fruit requires less land than beef or commodities, we'll compete with domestic production. It's a challenge."
The trade mission is organized by the Brazilian Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas) in collaboration with ApexBrasil, Brazil's trade and investment promotion agency. Guilherme Coelho, president of Abrafrutas, states that the primary objective is to advance negotiations for opening China's market to Brazilian fresh fruits. "We want to observe how fruits are displayed on shelves, how Chinese consumers prefer to eat them. We'll meet with local businesspeople and wholesalers to build stronger institutional and commercial ties with the country," he said.
Exporting fruit presents logistical challenges due to its perishable nature. Coelho, owner of Santa Felicidade (Sanfeli), which exports mangoes and grapes, highlights specific logistical issues. Grapes require refrigerated containers at 0°C, while mangoes need 8°C. Temperature monitoring and swift transport from harvest to port are essential, with Coelho noting, "Brazil is a continental country, and our roads aren't the best."
Beyond China, Brazilian exporters aim to improve conditions in Europe, which receives 70% of Brazil's fruit exports. In March, Abrafrutas representatives visited Brussels to discuss the Mercosur–European Union trade deal, finalized in 2024 but awaiting ratification. Coelho emphasizes the importance of this deal, as it would reduce export tariffs. Currently, grape exports to the EU face tariffs between 8% and 14%, while competitors like Chile, Peru, and South Africa face none. "The free trade agreement calls for immediate tariff elimination once in effect."
Other fruits will also see phased tariff reductions, impacting avocados, lemons, limes, melons, watermelons, and apples over varying time frames.
In the banana sector, Ecuador leads with 380 million boxes annually, while Brazil produces just 1 million boxes. Edson Brok of Brok Fresh Brasil and Tropical Nordeste, the largest banana producer in Brazil, states, "Bananas start dying as soon as they're harvested." Only the banana-nanica variety is suitable for export, primarily to Europe, and requires year-round water. Brok remains optimistic about competitiveness, noting Brazil's ample sunlight as an advantage.
Source: Datamar News