Brazil prepares first grape exports to South Korea

Brazil is preparing to begin grape exports to South Korea later this year as the country’s fruit sector increases its focus on Asian markets.

According to Eduardo Brandão, executive director of Abrafrutas, the phytosanitary agreement with South Korea has been completed, with tariff arrangements and other administrative procedures still to be finalized before shipments begin.

Speaking at Hortitec in Holambra, São Paulo, Brandão said Asia is expected to become an increasingly important destination for Brazilian fruit exports.

“We are working with estimates that Asia will account for more than 40% of global fruit consumption by 2030,” he said.

In addition to grapes, Abrafrutas sees export opportunities for products including avocados, mangoes, melons, and watermelons. According to Brandão, Brazilian fruit exports could reach around US$2 billion by 2028.

Currently, the European Union accounts for about 70% of Brazil’s fruit exports, followed by the United Kingdom with 15% and the United States with 10%.

“We export only 3% of what we produce. The growth potential is gigantic,” Brandão said.

According to Abrafrutas, export revenue reached approximately US$1.5 billion last year, an increase of nearly 12%.

Brandão also highlighted the role of the partnership between Abrafrutas and ApexBrasil in promoting Brazilian fruit exports.

Regarding international trade, he noted that shipments under the Mercosur-European Union agreement have already begun, with grapes entering the European market under zero-tariff conditions. At the same time, he cited the possibility of renewed U.S. tariff increases as a concern for exporters.

Logistics continues to be a challenge for the fruit export sector due to the perishable nature of the products and the long distances involved in serving overseas markets.

“Papaya, for example, can only be exported by air, which is much more expensive,” Brandão said.

He added that exporters continue to face challenges related to freight costs, vessel availability, and dependence on shared shipping routes. According to Brandão, securing dedicated containers or vessels remains difficult because export volumes are not yet large enough.

He also noted that countries such as Chile and Peru have logistical advantages due to their Pacific trade routes to Asia and their ability to ship larger volumes.

Source: Fresh Plaza

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