China grants market access to 183 Brazilian coffee exporters amid rising U.S. tariffs
Beijing strengthens trade ties with Brazil by approving new coffee exporters as the U.S. imposes steep duties on imports.
CHINA – China has approved 183 new Brazilian companies to export coffee to its markets, marking a significant shift in global trade dynamics.
The announcement, made by the Chinese Embassy in Brazil, came into effect on July 30 and grants a five-year export license to each approved company. The move follows the United States’ recent decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee imports starting August 6.
The U.S. is Brazil’s largest coffee buyer, importing approximately 8 million 60-kg bags annually. This volume accounts for nearly one-third of American coffee consumption and was valued at around US$4.4 billion in the 12 months ending June 2025. The imposition of new tariffs has prompted Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, to diversify its markets.
China’s swift approval of new exporters is viewed as a strategic response to the changing trade landscape. The Asian nation has shown a growing interest in agricultural imports and aims to broaden its coffee supply sources, particularly as demand for the beverage rises among younger urban consumers.
According to the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé), Brazil exported about 440,034 bags of coffee to the U.S. in June 2025, compared to only 56,000 bags shipped to China during the same period. This disparity signals a significant opportunity for growth in the Chinese market, particularly in the specialty and sustainable coffee segments.
Companies such as Starbucks China and Luckin Coffee are playing a pivotal role in expanding the country’s coffee culture, contributing to increased consumption in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Brazilian exporters focusing on traceable, high-quality beans are expected to benefit from this growing trend.
The five-year export licenses offer stability to Brazilian traders and farmers, enabling long-term planning and investment to meet China’s market preferences.
This comes shortly after China also reduced tariffs on coffee imports from several African countries as part of broader trade initiatives under the China-Africa declaration.
By welcoming more Brazilian exporters, China continues to position itself as a key player in the global coffee trade, creating new opportunities in the face of shifting international policies.
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