Beijing (TDI): Economic and agricultural cooperation between China and Latin America has taken a significant leap forward following the signing of a major agreement between China’s Mixue Group and Brazil’s trade and investment promotion agency, ApexBrasil.
On Monday, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, detailing Mixue’s plan to invest at least 4 billion yuan (approximately $555.4 million) over the next three to five years in sourcing Brazilian agricultural products, primarily coffee beans.
This partnership signifies a significant expansion of Brazil’s role in China’s agricultural supply chain and is expected to create approximately 25,000 jobs in Brazil.
The agreement also includes Mixue’s entry into the Brazilian market, with plans to open its first retail store in the country this year.
Construction of a local supply chain facility will also commence, intended to establish a production and sales network, supporting Mixue’s operations in the region.
Read More: China Offers Visa-Free Entry to 5 LAC Countries
Brazil, known as the world’s largest producer of coffee, is increasingly addressing China’s rising demand for high-quality, affordable coffee products.
Data from the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council indicates that coffee exports to China surged by 186.1 percent year-on-year during the 2023–24 crop season, totaling 1.64 million 60kg bags.
This significant increase highlights Brazil’s leading position in the global coffee market and its vital role in supplying coffee to China.
Mixue’s initiative highlights a broader trend of deepening trade ties. Chinese consumers are increasingly embracing Latin American agricultural imports, including Chilean cherries, Ecuadorian bananas, and Nicaraguan honey.
During the recent Spring Festival, high-end Chilean cherries recorded record sales, with Chile now standing as China’s second-largest supplier of fresh fruits.
Read More: China Becomes Top Buyer of Kyrgyz Honey
The MoU also aligns with similar efforts by other Chinese companies. Luckin Coffee, a major domestic coffee chain, previously signed an agreement with ApexBrasil and announced plans to purchase 240,000 metric tons of Brazilian coffee beans valued at 10 billion yuan between 2025 and 2029.
Total China-Latin America trade reached $518.47 billion in 2024, with Latin American imports increasing 46 percent over the past five years. Experts predict this momentum will continue as consumers prioritize value, quality, and sustainability.
This growing agricultural partnership reflects China’s strategy to diversify its food supply and promote cultural and trade exchange with key partners in Latin America, while supporting local economies and expanding global market reach for Chinese brands.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
