Brazil and China signed a historic agreement on Wednesday (20) in Brasília, marking a significant step in strengthening trade relations between the two countries. The agreement focuses on the export of sesame, a crucial offseason crop that enhances the competitiveness of Brazilian agribusiness. With China being the largest global importer of sesame, this partnership opens new opportunities for Brazilian producers.
The Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, highlighted that this market opening aligns with the rapid growth of national production, which increased by 104% in the past year. He also emphasized the potential for this partnership to generate significant revenues and boost Brazilian exports.
In addition to sesame, the agreement includes opening the Chinese market to fresh grapes and sorghum. Negotiations are advancing for other products, which will be addressed at a later stage. Brazil aims to expand its presence in the Chinese market, leveraging China’s position as the largest importer of sesame and other agricultural products.
Over the past four years, the Brazilian Institute of Beans, Pulses, and Special Crops (IBRAFE) has worked actively with public agencies to expand phytosanitary agreements involving Brazilian pulses and special crops. These negotiations have received support from entities such as MAPA, MRE, APROFIR, CNA, APROSOJA, and the government of Mato Grosso. Together with ApexBrasil, IBRAFE has spearheaded an export-focused project that has helped allied producers and exporters achieve remarkable results.
Numerous meetings, trips, and events involving Chinese delegations have been conducted in recent years, with encouraging outcomes. Brazilian sesame production has shown significant growth. For the 2023/24 harvest, production is expected to reach 175,800 tons, a 184% increase compared to 2021. Mato Grosso leads the way, producing 90,700 tons, accounting for 52% of national production. Exports have also surged, rising from 42,000 tons in 2022 to 151,000 tons in 2023, reflecting a growth of 257%.
The city of Canarana, in Mato Grosso, has earned the informal title of the “world capital of sesame.” Other promising production hubs are emerging in Goiás, Pará, and Tocantins, with additional potential in Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Rondônia.
Sesame fits well into regions where the ideal planting window for corn, for example, has passed during the second harvest. In other areas, sesame is being tested as a profitable cover crop when intercropped with straw.
This agreement, which includes sesame, opens opportunities for other crops, such as beans, to be included in future trade arrangements. This could further expand export possibilities for Brazilian producers dedicated to cultivating high-quality crops to meet both domestic and international demand.
Monitoring negotiations and evolving market demand will be critical to realizing these opportunities.
