Lula Visits Japan to Expand Beef and Ethanol Exports

President Lula is in Japan, accompanied by ministers and the presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta, and the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, to strengthen trade partnerships in Asia and reduce Brazil’s dependence on China and the United States.

One of the main objectives is to unlock Brazilian beef exports, as the Japanese market has restricted access to the product due to sanitary requirements. Japan imports about 70% of its animal protein from the United States and Australia, amounting to $4 billion annually.

“The visit aims to boost priority sectors while exploring new opportunities. We have a strong foundation in human and economic ties, but we want to move forward. One of our key expectations is opening the Japanese market to Brazilian products, especially fresh beef and pork,” emphasized Ambassador Eduardo Saboia, Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Brazilian delegation also aims to showcase the potential of Brazilian ethanol. Japan still relies on fossil fuels for 90% of its energy matrix and seeks alternatives to decarbonize its economy.

Cooperation in science, technology, and innovation is another priority on the bilateral agenda. Promising areas include information and communication technologies, aerospace technology, robotics, advanced materials, and medical sciences.

TRADE RELATIONS — In 2024, the two nations recorded a trade exchange of $11 billion, with a Brazilian surplus of $146.8 million. Brazil primarily exports poultry (fresh or frozen), aluminum, pork, cellulose, unroasted coffee, and iron ore.

See below the main products exported in containers from Brazil to Japan in January 2025. The data is from DataLiner:

Main Brazilian products exported to Japan | Jan 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Meanwhile, imports from Japan consist of automotive parts and accessories, measuring instruments, piston engines, and other products related to the manufacturing industry, according to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services.

Source: Brasília Capital

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