In a move that reshapes global coffee trade dynamics, China has officially approved 183 Brazilian coffee companies to export directly into its market, with permits valid for five years. The announcement, made by the Chinese customs authority, comes just days after new U.S. tariffs on Brazilian coffee and other key commodities were set to take effect.
The development provides Brazilian exporters with a strategic lifeline at a time when access to traditional markets is becoming more costly. The U.S., a top buyer of Brazilian coffee, will begin enforcing a 50% tariff on select Brazilian imports starting August 6—a shift that could significantly impact the estimated 8 million bags shipped annually to American processors.
While Brazil has long counted the U.S. as a major coffee customer, China is emerging as a growing destination, especially amid shifting trade alliances and tariff retaliation. In June, Brazilian exports to the U.S. reached over 440,000 60-kilo bags, compared to just 56,000 bags to China during the same month. The new export approvals could begin to close that gap as Chinese demand increases.
The decision by China’s customs body strengthens commercial ties with Brazil and reflects a broader trend of global supply chains realigning in response to protectionist policies. For Brazilian producers and traders, the move offers both relief and opportunity—diversifying their buyer base and mitigating tariff-related losses in North America.
As global coffee flows recalibrate, exporters and buyers alike are watching closely to see whether China can absorb a greater share of Brazil’s supply and offset market volatility caused by geopolitical trade shifts.
