China-Brazil direct route boosts fruit exports

This week, a new direct sea route between the Port of Gaolan (Zhuhai), in southern China, and the Brazilian ports of Santana (AP) and Salvador (BA) was inaugurated in a ceremony held in Brasília (DF). The Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas) participated in the ceremony, highlighting the sector's enthusiasm for the new logistics connection. 

“This route was everything that grape and melon producers needed to start exporting to China. We are very excited about this new stage that will transform the presence of Brazilian fruit production in the Asian market,” said the president of the entity, Guilherme Coelho.

The new route reflects the strengthening of relations between Brazil and China, intensified with the official visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Brazil at the end of 2024. On that occasion, the opening of the Chinese market to Brazilian grapes was officially announced, a milestone for national fruit production and the result of years of technical and diplomatic negotiation.

China's ambassador to Brazil, Zhu Qingqiao, highlighted that the new route is part of the implementation of the agreements signed between the two presidents and represents a strategic move in light of the current tensions in global trade. “China and Brazil are two positive forces for stability and prosperity in the world. And we will continue to expand and deepen cooperation,” he said.

Brazil is the world's largest producer of table grapes 

With a favorable climate and technology, Brazil is today one of the world's largest producers of table grapes, with emphasis on the São Francisco Valley, which has sought to establish itself as suppliers in demanding markets such as Asia. In 2024, the country exported around 59 thousand tons of grapes, generating around US$ 151 million in revenue, mainly to markets in the Netherlands, the United States and the United Kingdom, and now, with China on the radar, the growth potential increases even further.

With the new connection, transportation time between China and Brazil could be reduced by up to 30 days, and logistics costs could be reduced by more than 30% — a significant change for the flow of fresh Brazilian fruit, which requires fast and secure logistics. One of the highlights of the event was the countdown at the end, with images of a cargo ship leaving the Port of Gaolan bound for Brazil.