---
title: "Brazil in talks to gain Chinese approval for more meat plants"
description: "Brazil is in talks to gain Chinese approval for more meat plants to export to the Asian nation, according to Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Business Maverick"
author: "Bloomberg"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/bloomberg/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-10-23-brazil-in-talks-to-gain-chinese-approval-for-more-meat-plants/"
published: "2024-10-23T05:30:53"
updated: "2024-10-23T05:30:54"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 281
---

# Brazil in talks to gain Chinese approval for more meat plants

> Brazil is in talks to gain Chinese approval for more meat plants to export to the Asian nation, according to Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro.

By Bloomberg · Published 23 October 2024, 07:30 SAST · Updated 23 October 2024, 07:30 SAST

## Content

Negotiations are currently under way to obtain clearance for another 10 to 15 beef, chicken and pork facilities, Favaro said in an interview at Bloomberg New Economy at B20 in Sao Paulo on Tuesday. An announcement could come as early as next month, during the Group of 20 meeting in Brazil, he said.

The talks come just as Favaro said Brazil should join China’s Belt and Road Initiative to counter protectionist measures from the US and European Union. The idea has divided President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government as it seeks to attract new investment to Latin America’s largest economy.

China is the biggest market for Brazilian beef, chicken and pork, and having more plants approved for export would be a boon for the likes of JBS SA, the top meat supplier, and its rivals Minerva SA, Marfrig Global Foods SA and BRF SA. The Asian nation, the world’s largest commodities buyer, accounts for about 14% of Brazil’s chicken exports and nearly half of beef shipments.

“The sanitary process for approval is under way,” Favaro said, adding he was also working on opening the Chinese market to new products including sorghum, grapes, sesame seeds and pork byproducts such as feet and ears.

The last time China cleared Brazilian meat plants for export was in March, when 38 facilities were approved.

The idea of joining the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s flagship global trade and infrastructure program, has sparked debate within the leftist Lula’s government. Some ministers argue it’s necessary to attract massive new investments, while others fear the partnership could dent existing relations with the US and EU.

But Favaro [argued](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-22/brazil-should-join-china-s-belt-and-road-agriculture-chief-says) it could be done without “creating disputes with anyone.”