Brazil Strengthens Trade Ties with Japan, Advances Agribusiness Negotiations

Tokyo, Japan — The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) concluded an official mission to Japan from February 10 to 12, making significant strides in strengthening trade relations and expanding market access for Brazilian agricultural products.

Led by Marcel Moreira, Deputy Secretary of the Secretariat of Trade and International Relations (SCRI), the delegation focused on advancing bilateral negotiations, reinforcing Brazil’s presence in the Japanese market, and exploring new trade opportunities.

High-Level Meetings and Trade Discussions

During the visit, Moreira, accompanied by Brazil’s Agricultural Attaché in Japan, Marco Pavarino, met with Japanese officials to address key trade issues. At Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), discussions centered on easing age restrictions for Brazilian cattle slaughter and approving additional poultry plants for the export of heat-treated poultry meat.

In a separate meeting with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the delegation pushed for increased market access for Brazilian beef and pork exports. Talks also covered the adjustment of hydrothermal treatment rules for mango exports and regionalizing Avian Influenza control measures.

A pivotal moment of the mission was a meeting with Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Taku Eto, and parliamentarian Arata Takebe. The talks, also attended by Brazil’s Ambassador to Japan, Octavio Cortes, and representatives from the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec), underscored Brazil’s commitment to food safety, quality, and sustainable agriculture. Moreira highlighted the 130-year history of Brazil-Japan diplomatic and trade relations, set to be officially commemorated in 2025. Both parties expressed optimism about achieving tangible results ahead of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s scheduled visit to Japan in late March.

Strengthening Private-Sector and Technical Cooperation

Beyond government negotiations, the delegation engaged with major Japanese meat importers and supermarket chains, strengthening ties with the private sector. These visits provided insight into Japan’s market demands and consumer preferences, reinforcing Brazil’s positioning as a key supplier.

The mission also advanced technical cooperation, particularly under Brazil’s National Project for the Recovery of Degraded Pastures (PNCPD). Discussions focused on sustainability initiatives and best agricultural practices, aligning Brazil’s environmental goals with Japan’s commitment to responsible sourcing.

Japan: A Strategic Partner for Brazilian Agribusiness

Japan remains a crucial market for Brazilian agricultural exports. In 2023, Japan imported more than $3.31 billion worth of Brazilian goods, ranking among the country’s top trading partners. Poultry, pork, coffee, and soybeans are among the leading exports, with Japanese consumers prioritizing high-quality, safe, and sustainable food products.

Ongoing trade negotiations aim to further boost exports while diversifying the range of Brazilian products available to Japanese consumers.

This mission reflects Mapa’s broader commitment to expanding global market access for Brazilian agribusiness. By leveraging a science-based, strategic approach, Brazil continues to solidify its position as a global leader in food production, meeting international standards in quality, safety, and sustainability.