Brazil Resumes Chicken Meat Exports to Malaysia and Expands Bilateral Trade Amid President Lula's Southeast Asia Visit
Brazil restores chicken meat exports to Malaysia and signs multiple bilateral agreements with Malaysia amid President Lula's Southeast Asia visit, boosting economic ties and trade diversification.
- • Brazil resumed chicken meat exports to Malaysia after suspension over avian influenza measures.
- • Malaysia authorized imports of new Brazilian products including fish, sesame, melon, apple, and powdered eggs.
- • Bilateral trade between Brazil and Malaysia reached $487.2 million in 2024.
- • Seven bilateral agreements were signed between Brazil and Malaysia in semiconductors, science, technology, and innovation during Lula’s visit.
Key details
Brazil has officially resumed exports of chicken meat to Malaysia after a suspension that began in May due to avian influenza sanitary concerns. This development was announced on September 24 during a meeting between Brazil's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, and Malaysia's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mohamad Sabu. Beyond chicken meat, Malaysia has authorized imports of additional Brazilian products including extracted and cultivated fish, sesame, melon, apple, and powdered eggs, signaling a broadening of trade ties between the two nations.
These advancements occurred as part of the diplomatic mission led by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his official visit to Southeast Asia. In 2024, bilateral trade between Brazil and Malaysia reached $487.2 million, with Brazilian exports accounting for $346.4 million and Malaysian imports at $140.9 million.
During this visit, Lula also met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where they signed seven bilateral agreements encompassing strategic areas such as semiconductors, science, technology, and innovation, marking a decisive move to deepen cooperation beyond agriculture. President Lula emphasized the importance of free trade and global peace, stating, "The world needs peace, not war. The world needs free trade, not protectionism. The world needs more food and less weapons."
Furthermore, Lula’s interactions at the ASEAN summit include a potential meeting with former US President Donald Trump, who suggested that the US might reduce tariffs on Brazilian products if certain conditions are met. This comes amid tensions resulting from recent US tariffs imposed on Brazilian goods and ongoing diplomatic strains.
Overall, Brazil’s resumption of chicken meat exports and expanded trade agreements with Malaysia represent significant steps in strengthening bilateral economic relations, reflecting Lula's broader regional diplomacy efforts.