China extols the virtues of 'cherished Brazilian coffee' as Trump's tariffs are enacted
In a significant shift in global trade relations, Brazil is bolstering its economic alliance with China, as the US imposes 50% tariffs on various Brazilian products effective from Wednesday [1]. This move comes in response to political tensions between the US and Brazil, with US President Donald Trump accusing the Brazilian government of committing "serious human rights abuses" related to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro [2].
China, Brazil's largest trade partner for 15 consecutive years, is a growing market for Brazilian goods. In June 2025 alone, Brazil exported around $9.83 billion to China, while importing about $6.15 billion, maintaining a positive trade balance [3]. The relationship extends beyond commodity trade, with Chinese consumer companies growing rapidly in Brazil and the increasing use of the yuan in bilateral transactions [1].
One of the products most affected by the US tariffs is coffee, with Brazil being the world's largest coffee producer [4]. While specific recent data for coffee exports is not available, it is likely that Brazilian coffee is a component of the commodities Brazil exports to China. The strategic economic partnership suggests stable or growing coffee trade ties within the overall commodities-focused relationship [1][3].
In response to the US tariffs, Brazil appears to be increasingly aligning with China as a counterbalance to US influence. This alignment is reinforced by high-level political support from Brazilian President Lula, who emphasizes Brazil-China cooperation as essential for global influence [1][2]. The US tariffs risk pushing Latin America’s largest economy closer to China, creating deeper economic and even military ties [1][2].
President Lula has stated that his country must be treated as an equal in any potential trade negotiations with the United States, emphasizing a "limit to discussion" with the Trump administration [5]. China, on the other hand, has shown its commitment to deepening the relationship with Brazil, authorizing 183 new Brazilian coffee companies to export to the Chinese market with a five-year permit [6].
The growing Brazil-China economic partnership is not just about trade. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that cooperation between Beijing and Brasilia has benefited both peoples and is willing to deepen the relationship "in various fields and add new strategic dimensions" [7]. This evolving partnership signals a significant realignment in global trade and geopolitical influence, particularly affecting U.S.-Brazil relations.
Meanwhile, coffee consumption in China is growing, with the beverage "gaining a place in the daily lives of the Chinese" [8]. Recently, China's embassy in Brasilia shared a video featuring Meituan, a Chinese food delivery giant, arriving in Brazil [9]. As Brazil consolidates its presence in China with its beloved Brazilian coffee, analysts suggest that Trump's trade measures may prompt the Brazilian government to foster closer ties with other partners [10].
In the midst of these developments, Jair Bolsonaro has denied all allegations of wrongdoing [11]. President Lula, however, has stated that the judiciary branch of power in Brazil is independent and that Bolsonaro is being judged by the acts he tried to organize a coup d'etat [12].
References:
[1] The Diplomat
[2] Reuters
[3] Trading Economics
[4] World's Top Exports
[5] BBC News
[6] China Daily
[7] China Daily
[8] China Daily
[9] China Daily
[10] The Diplomat
[11] Al Jazeera
[12] The Guardian
The growing economic partnership between Brazil and China, as China becomes Brazil's largest trade partner for 15 consecutive years, could impact trade relations in the Americas, particularly with the United States. This partnership, encompassing exports like coffee, a key commodity from Brazil, may prompt the Brazilian government to foster closer ties with other partners, potentially diversifying their trade relationships in response to US tariffs.
As China's consumer companies grow rapidly in Brazil and the trade partnership expands, Chinese government officials have expressed a willingness to deepen relationships "in various fields and add new strategic dimensions," suggesting a potential shift in global politics, news, and general affairs.
