China Opens Doors to Brazilian Sesame Exports, Boosting Trade Ties
China has authorized 21 Brazilian companies to export sesame seeds, solidifying Brazil’s entry into the world’s largest sesame market.
The announcement, shared by the Brazilian government, follows an agreement reached during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Brazil in late 2024.
This move strengthens agricultural trade ties between the two nations and highlights China’s growing demand for sesame, which accounts for 36.2% of global imports.
China imported 1.1 million tons of sesame in 2022, spending $1.53 billion on the commodity. Sesame plays a key role in Chinese cuisine and food processing, making it a vital import.
Brazil, meanwhile, has rapidly expanded its sesame industry. In 2023, the country exported 151,000 tons of sesame, generating R$1.47 billion ($245 million). This marked a 210% revenue increase compared to 2021.
Brazil’s production has surged, with output reaching 360,000 tons in the 2023/24 harvest season—a 228% increase from 2021 levels. Mato Grosso leads national production with 246,000 tons, representing nearly half of the country’s total harvest.
Brazil-China Trade Expansion
As China opens its market to Brazilian sesame, these figures are expected to grow further. The agreement requires Brazilian exporters to meet strict Chinese phytosanitary standards. Companies must register with Chinese Customs and undergo inspections by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
Each shipment must include a plant quarantine certificate confirming it is free from pests and contaminants like soil or plant residues. Non-compliance could lead to shipment rejections or destruction upon arrival in China.
This deal is part of broader trade initiatives between the two countries. During Xi Jinping’s visit to Brasília in November 2024, Brazil and China signed four agricultural export protocols covering sesame, fresh grapes, sorghum, and fish derivatives.
These agreements could generate over R$3 billion ($500 million) annually for Brazil’s agricultural sector. Despite this progress, challenges remain for Brazil’s sesame industry.
Low mechanization and seed losses during harvest hinder productivity. Exporters must also navigate risks tied to partner selection and payment security. Addressing these issues will require investments in technology and infrastructure.
The approval marks a milestone in Brazil-China trade relations, offering opportunities for growth while underscoring the importance of compliance and innovation in agriculture.
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