Exports from São Paulo's agribusiness to China – the sector's main buyer – rose 16.7% in 2025 and reached US$ 6.8 billion, according to data provided to CNN Money by the IEA-APTA (Institute of Agricultural Economics) of the SAA (Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply) of São Paulo.

In terms of trade balance, the Chinese market was ahead of the European Union countries (US$ 4.1 billion), the United States (US$ 3.5 billion) and India (US$ 904.4 million). Currently, China accounts for almost a quarter of Brazil's agricultural sales.

For SAA Secretary Geraldo Melo Filho, the data reinforces the insertion of São Paulo's agriculture in the international market, in addition to China's weight as a trading partner. ‘When we analyse the main products on our export list, it appears as the main destination for all of them,’ the authority points out.

One highlight of the year was coffee. Despite being a tea-consuming nation, coffee exports placed China among the 10 largest customers for the product in 2025.

(Source: CNN Brasil, on 23 February)