Brazil Strengthens Ties with Japan to Expand Meat and Agricultural Exports

The official mission of Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) to Japan, held from February 10 to 12, landed a significant milestone for the country’s agribusiness sector. Led by Marcel Moreira, Deputy Secretary of the Secretariat for Trade and International Relations (SCRI), the mission aimed to strengthen commercial ties and advance bilateral trade negotiations.

During the visit, Moreira, accompanied by Brazil’s Agricultural Attaché in Japan, Marco Pavarino, met with Japanese government officials. Talks at Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) focused on key trade matters, including easing the age limit for cattle slaughter and approving additional Brazilian meatpacking plants to export heat-processed poultry.

The delegation also met with technicians from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) to discuss opening the Japanese market to Brazilian beef and expanding access for pork exports. Other topics included adjustments to thermal treatment requirements for mango exports and measures to implement a regional approach to controlling avian influenza.

A key moment of the mission was a meeting with Taku Eto, Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and Federal Deputy Arata Takebe. Brazil’s Ambassador to Japan, Octavio Cortes, and representatives from the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC) also attended.

During the conferences, Moreira highlighted Brazil’s strong health and safety standards, product quality, and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. Both sides expressed interest in making progress on trade negotiations ahead of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s visit to Japan in late March.

The mission also included visits to major meat-importing companies and leading supermarket chains to further strengthen ties with the Japanese private sector and gain a deeper understanding of trade distribution channels.

Japan: A Strategic Market for Brazilian Agribusiness

Japan plays a crucial role in Brazil’s agricultural trade. In 2023, the country imported more than $3.31 billion worth of Brazilian agricultural products, ranking among the top destinations for Brazil’s exports. Poultry and pork, coffee, and soybeans are among the most sought-after products in Japan’s highly demanding market, which prioritizes quality and food safety.

Ongoing trade negotiations aim to increase export volumes and diversify Brazil’s export grid, opening the door for new agricultural products in the Japanese market.

Commitment to Expanding Brazil’s Agribusiness

The mission to Japan underscores MAPA’s efforts to open new markets and strengthen Brazil’s agricultural exports. With a strategic and technical approach, Brazil continues to solidify its position as one of the world’s leading food suppliers, ensuring quality, sanitary safety, and sustainability to meet the demands of international markets.

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