Malaysia and South Korea open markets to new Brazilian agribusiness exports

The Brazilian government has concluded phytosanitary negotiations with the governments of Malaysia and the Republic of Korea to open markets for DDG (distillers dried grains) and macaúba and pecan almonds produced in Brazil.

In Malaysia, phytosanitary authorities authorized the export of DDG — a co-product of ethanol production from grains, especially corn, with a high protein, energy, and phosphorus content — used as an ingredient in feed for cattle, pigs, and poultry. The Asian country, with more than 35 million inhabitants, imported US$1.2 billion in agricultural products from Brazil last year.

The new opening adds to recent authorizations for the export of wild-caught and farmed fish, apples, melons, powdered eggs, and sesame to Malaysia, consolidating a diversified portfolio that serves both the processed food market and the food-service and tourism segments in the country.

In the Republic of Korea, phytosanitary authorities authorized the export of macaúba and pecan almonds. Macaúba is a native palm found throughout Brazil, with fruits that provide pulp and almonds rich in oil for food, cosmetic, and energy use. Pecan, in turn, accounts for around 3% to 4% of the global nut and kernel market. In Brazil, it is a rapidly growing chain, with production concentrated mainly in the southern states. Brazil is currently the fourth-largest producer worldwide, behind only the United States, Mexico, and South Africa.

It is worth noting that, in 2024, the Republic of Korea imported more than US$2.8 billion in products from Brazilian agribusiness, mainly grains, meat, and oilseeds. The new opening for macaúba and pecan almonds adds to recent openings for sesame and bovine leather, deepening bilateral partnership and expanding the presence of higher-value Brazilian products in the Korean market.

By diversifying destinations and products — from feed ingredients to fruits from emerging bioeconomy chains — Brazil strengthens its position as a reliable supplier and expands opportunities for producers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses across the country.

With these announcements, Brazilian agribusiness has reached 491 new business opportunities since the beginning of 2023.

These results are the outcome of joint work between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE).

Source: MAPA

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