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China Plans to Start Planting Corn and Soybeans in Brazil

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published on 13/04/2025 at 12:02
Updated on 13/04/2025 at 12:06
China inicia produção de soja e milho no Brasil com tecnologia de ponta e bilhões em investimentos, marcando nova era no agronegócio.
China inicia produção de soja e milho no Brasil com tecnologia de ponta e bilhões em investimentos, marcando nova era no agronegócio.
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Historic Agreement Between Brazil And China Marks The Beginning Of A New Phase In Agriculture, With Billion-Dollar Investments And Innovative Technologies That Promise To Transform Brazilian Farming And Further Strengthen The Ties Between The Two Emerging Nations.

In recent years, the relationship between Brazil And China has strengthened, especially in the agricultural sector.

The Asian country, the largest global importer of soy and one of the main consumers of corn, is seeking new strategies to ensure the supply of these essential grains for its economy.

Amid this scenario, a new chapter in this trade partnership is being written: China does not want to just import from Brazil, but also to produce directly in Brazilian soil.

At the beginning of February 2025, the National Agriculture Society (SNA) signed a strategic agreement with the Chinese state-owned giant Hulunbuir State Farm Group.

The partnership focuses on the development of soy and corn production in Brazil, leveraging Brazilian agricultural technology and the vast availability of arable land.

The agreement was sealed during the Seminar on Promotion of Trade Cooperation and Investments Between China (Inner Mongolia) and Brazil, held at the Renaissance Hotel in São Paulo.

Strategic Partnership To Strengthen Agriculture

The signing of the agreement represents a significant advance in the relationship between the two countries in the agricultural sector.

The document establishes guidelines for a long-term cooperation model, promoting mutual benefits through technological exchange, resource sharing, and joint development.

Hélio Sirimarco, vice president of the SNA, highlighted that the Chinese state-owned company, one of the largest grain producers in the Asian country, is interested in adopting Brazilian technologies to strengthen its production.

According to him, the Chinese have shown interest not only in buying but also in direct production on Brazilian territory, a strategy that can ensure greater control over the quality and supply of products.

“Our technological advances caught the attention of the Chinese, leading to this partnership. Currently, Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of soy, and China is the largest importer of this product. They have shown interest not only in buying but also in starting to produce in Brazil. Here, we have about 30 million hectares of degraded pastures that can be converted to agriculture, without the need for deforestation. They are very aware of this”, said Sirimarco.

How Cooperation Between Brazil And China Will Work

The adopted partnership model provides for joint action between Chinese companies and Brazilian producers.

On one side, Hulunbuir State Farm Group will bring investments and expertise at an industrial scale, while the SNA will provide technical, regulatory, and market support.

The Chinese state-owned company will play an active role in collaborating with local farms and businesses to improve agricultural productivity.

Additionally, there will be a strong technological exchange between the countries, which may generate significant advances for Brazilian agriculture.

The SNA will take on the responsibility of providing strategic consulting on agricultural policies, economic viability, and the application of new technologies, ensuring that the production model adopted is efficient and sustainable.

Brazil And China: A Consolidated Relationship In Agriculture

China is Brazil’s largest trading partner, especially in the agricultural sector.

In recent years, the export of soy and corn to the Asian country has grown considerably, becoming one of the main drivers of Brazil’s trade balance.

Even with this consolidated relationship, the scenario presents challenges.

In 2023, China accounted for 27% of Brazilian corn exports, generating revenue of US$ 3.6 billion.

However, in 2024, this share fell to 5.8%, with revenue of only US$ 478 million, falling behind markets such as Egypt, Vietnam, Iran, South Korea, and Japan.

Additionally, in January 2025, China suspended the import of soy from at least five Brazilian companies, reinforcing the need for diversification of trade strategies.

This decision can be interpreted as an encouragement for Chinese production to advance within Brazil, minimizing dependence on imports and reducing potential logistical bottlenecks.

Impacts On Brazilian Agriculture

The entry of China into the direct production of soy and corn in Brazil raises a number of questions for the national agriculture.

On one hand, Chinese investments can boost the adoption of new technologies, create jobs, and increase productivity in the sector.

On the other hand, there are concerns about the impact of this movement on Brazilian agricultural sovereignty.

Control of land and production by foreign companies generates debates about regulation and limits for foreign investments in the sector.

Experts point out that Brazil needs to balance the economic benefits of this partnership with measures that ensure food security and strategic control over national agricultural production.

In this sense, the actions of regulatory bodies and sector entities will be essential to ensure that Brazilian interests are protected.

Sustainability As A Priority

One of the most emphasized aspects in the agreement between the SNA and Hulunbuir State Farm Group is the commitment to sustainable practices.

China has shown greater concern about the origin of the agricultural products it consumes, especially in light of international pressures to reduce the environmental impact of its production chain.

In February 2025, Cofco International, in partnership with China Mengniu Dairy and Sheng Mu Organic Dairy, signed an agreement to supply 1.5 million tons of soy certified as sustainable from Brazil to China.

This soy is produced in deforestation-free areas and follows strict standards of traceability and sustainability.

This movement indicates that the partnership between Brazil and China in the agricultural sector is likely to evolve towards models more aligned with global environmental requirements, which could bring long-term benefits to the sector.

The Future Of The Brazil-China Agricultural Partnership

With the advancement of cooperation between Brazil and China in the production of soy and corn, national agriculture enters a new phase.

The Chinese presence in the cultivation of these grains can bring investments and modernization, while also requiring an in-depth debate about the strategic impacts of this movement.

The challenge now will be to ensure that this relationship continues to be beneficial for both parties, ensuring that Brazil maintains its leadership position in global grain production without compromising its agricultural sovereignty.

The partnership between the SNA and Hulunbuir State Farm Group reinforces the importance of international collaboration for the growth of the sector, but also highlights the need for careful planning to balance economic, environmental, and strategic interests.

In your view, reader, is Brazil becoming a leader in global agriculture or merely yielding its lands to China’s influence?

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Alisson Ficher

A journalist who graduated in 2017 and has been active in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints at free-to-air TV channels, and over 12,000 online publications. A specialist in politics, employment, economics, courses, and other topics, he is also the editor of the CPG portal. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, wish to report an error, or suggest a story idea related to the topics covered on the website, please contact via email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept résumés!

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