Since the onset of 2023, the Brazilian Federal Government has diligently pursued the objective of broadening international trade markets while bolstering existing channels. This concerted effort has yielded remarkable results, notably showcased by Brazil's recent achievements in diversifying its trade partnerships and expanding its export capabilities.

Over the past 15 months, Brazil has made substantial strides, marking a significant increase in the number of markets accessed across various countries. Notably, Brazil has successfully established 105 new markets spanning 50 countries during this period. This achievement represents a substantial leap compared to the preceding administration, which managed to open only 50 markets across 24 countries in a similar timeframe.

One of the most noteworthy developments resulting from Brazil's trade expansion efforts is the approval by China to add 38 new production units on March 12, 2024, for importing meat from Brazil. This approval effectively increases the total number of authorized plants from 106 to 144, underscoring the growing significance of Brazil's meat exports to China. The newly certified facilities include beef and chicken processing plants, a beef thermal processing facility, and warehouses. It is anticipated that these approvals will contribute to a substantial increase of 10 billion Brazilian reais (USD 1.96 billion) in Brazil's trade balance over the coming year.

To highlight the importance of this achievement, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will personally oversee the inaugural shipment of meat to China from recently certified facilities in Campo Grande, the capital of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The event, scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024, will be attended by President Lula and Minister Carlos Fávaro (Agriculture and Livestock).

Roberto Perosa, Secretary of Commerce and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized the significance of Brazil's market expansion efforts, citing the successful entry into 105 new markets since 2023, surpassing previous milestones.

In addition to the developments with China, Brazil has also celebrated other significant achievements in international trade. Notably, Brazil recently gained access to the South Korean market for exports of animal by-products, marking the 27th expansion for the country's agribusiness sector in 2024. This achievement reflects collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Furthermore, Brazil's trade relations with countries across five continents have seen substantial growth in recent years, with exports experiencing a remarkable surge from USD 58.2 billion in 2001 to USD 339.7 billion in 2023. Notable partnerships include trade in Brazilian cotton with Egypt, beef and pork with Mexico and Singapore, and poultry with Israel and Algeria, among others.

The expansion of trade between Brazil and countries in Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, and ASEAN nations, has also been significant. Trade figures with these regions have witnessed substantial growth, highlighting Brazil's increasing presence in diverse international markets.