With Zero-Tariff, Brazil Poised to Expand Pork Exports to South Korea

South Korea has announced the creation of a 10,000-ton quota for imports of frozen pork from Brazil with zero tariff — a move expected to boost bilateral trade.

Until now, Brazilian pork has been subject to a 25% tariff. The exemption, however, does not apply to pork belly cuts.

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) communicated the measure, which was welcomed by the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA). ABPA sees the decision as a significant step toward strengthening Brazilian exports to the Asian market.

South Korea ranks 16th among the main destinations for Brazilian pork, with 3,700 tons imported in the first quarter of this year.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the country is also the world’s fourth-largest pork importer, with a per capita consumption of approximately 29 kg and a total of 785,000 tons imported in 2024.

For Ricardo Santin, president of ABPA, the new tariff quota marks progress in the negotiations led by the Brazilian government.

“The establishment of a duty-free quota is an important milestone for the growth of Brazilian pork exports to South Korea, achieved through the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture. This is especially significant in the context of ongoing negotiations led by Minister Carlos Fávaro and his secretaries, following the recognition of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and other states as free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination,” he stated.

Here is a historical overview of Brazilian pork exports to South Korea starting from January 2022. The data is from DataLiner:

Brazilian Pork Exports to South Korea | Jan 2022 – Mar 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Currently, only the state of Santa Catarina is authorized to export pork to the South Korean market, as it is the only Brazilian state whose sanitary status is recognized by Korean authorities.

Source: Agrofy News

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