During a mission in Southeast Asia, the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (Apex Brasil) has identified approximately 2,700 new business opportunities for the national industry and agribusiness, including rice—a product that Brazil traditionally does not export.
At the same time, agricultural attaches working to strengthen ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are exploring ways to overcome barriers to the trade of agricultural commodities to certain countries, such as:
- Live cattle and beef gelatin to Malaysia
- Beef to Vietnam
- Pork to Indonesia
- Live cattle to Cambodia
- Peanuts to the Philippines
Brazilian Rice for Asia
Laudemir Müller, Apex Brasil’s Agribusiness Manager, shared that discussions with ASEAN revealed that China and Vietnam, the world’s largest rice importers, have had to source rice outside of India due to production challenges caused by climate change.
“Southeast Asia is a region that needs Brazil and Brazilian agribusiness. A few years ago, we did not imagine we could become a significant player in this market. Now Brazil is being sought after, and we have the capacity to supply, although, of course, the varieties differ. We can develop these varieties in two to three years and meet this market’s demand.”
Müller noted that Brazil’s internal rice consumption is around 10 to 11 million tons, and with the current harvest, the country has the potential to produce about 13 million tons, positioning it as a capable international supplier.
