Australia and Brazil have initiated talks to create new agricultural trade agreements. Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro and Australian ambassador to Brazil Sophie Davis met on Wednesday to begin discussions on importing Australian barley and wheat to Brazil and exporting Brazilian pork to Australia, as well as collaborating on sustainable agriculture research. However, before implementing any trade agreements, the countries must first articulate a reduction in bilateral trade tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Abitrigo, a Brazilian trade group representing flour millers, also met with Australian government representatives to discuss diversifying sources of wheat imports. Brazil is currently the world’s fourth-biggest pork exporter and a net wheat importer. In related news, in October 2021, Australia elevated its dispute with China at the WTO over Beijing’s punitive tariffs on Australian barley exports. While there were disagreements between the two sides on many issues, the Australian government believed the differences should be resolved via dialogue.
Australia in discussions with Brazil for agriculture trade deals.
