China approves import of Brazilian pecans during official mission

Brazil can now export pecans to China, following the approval of sanitary and quarantine requirements by the Chinese authorities. 

The protocol between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China was signed on Thursday (6) after the plenary session of the China-Brazil High-Level Coordination and Cooperation Commission (Cosban) in Beijing. Negotiations for pecan exports began in 2019. 

This agreement was finalized during an official mission led by Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, accompanied by Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, other ministers, and Brazilian government delegations. 

"Since President Lula's return to power, relations with China have improved. China is the largest buyer of Brazilian agricultural products, so we expect to continue expanding commercial relations and announcing new market accesses soon," stated Minister Fávaro. 

According to the Brazilian Pecan Institute (IBPecan), China buys 45,000 of the world's 320,000 tons of pecans produced annually. Brazil is currently the fourth-largest producer of pecans, behind the United States, Mexico, and South Africa. Rio Grande do Sul accounts for about 70% of Brazil's production. 

Pecans currently represent 3% to 4% of the global market for nuts and seeds. It is estimated that that the opening of the Chinese market could generate business exceeding $1 million. 

With this announcement, Brazilian agribusiness has achieved its 63rd market access this year, reaching a total of 141 markets in 51 countries since the beginning of President Lula's third term. 

The access of this new market results from coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

OTHER NEGOTIATIONS 

During the seventh Cosban meeting, discussions were held on bilateral agreements for fresh grapes, sesame seeds, and bone-in beef and its by-products, which are expected to be announced soon. 

Another topic addressed was the conclusion of the sanitary process for recognizing the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná as free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) without vaccination, expected to happen shortly. 

"It was a very productive and satisfactory meeting, highlighting the spectacular moment in Brazil-China relations," summarized Minister Fávaro. 

COSBAN

Co-chaired by the vice presidents of both countries—Geraldo Alckmin of Brazil and Han Zheng of the People's Republic of China—Cosban is the main dialogue mechanism between Brazil and China. Its purpose is to oversee and implement the bilateral agenda in strategic areas for both countries. 

The group comprises 11 subcommissions: Political; Economic-Commercial and Cooperation; Economic-Financial; Industry, Information, and Communication Technology; Agriculture; Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues; Energy and Mining; Science, Technology, and Innovation; Space; Culture and Tourism; and Environment. 

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