Thursday May 8th, 2025

The inauguration of the new direct sea route between the Port of Gaolan in China and the Brazilian ports of Salvador in Bahia and Santana in Amapá marks a significant advance in trade relations between Brazil and China. This strategic connection, known as the “Golden Canal”, aims to reduce transportation time and logistics costs, strengthening bilateral trade and boosting economic development in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. ​

This year, the internationalization project of the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas), in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), will explore new business opportunities, strengthen commercial ties and promote the diversity and quality of Brazilian fruits for the international market, focusing on Asia.

For the fruit industry, this new route represents an opportunity to expand its presence in the Asian market, especially in China, which is one of the largest consumers of fruit in the world. With the reduction in transportation time, Brazilian fruit will be able to reach Chinese consumers fresher and with higher quality, increasing the competitiveness of Brazilian products. In addition, the reduction in logistics costs can make exports more profitable for Brazilian producers.

The new route also strengthens the position of the ports of Salvador and Santana as strategic logistics hubs, facilitating the flow of Brazilian agricultural and mineral products to the international market. This initiative is in line with the Brazilian government’s efforts to diversify export markets and promote regional development.

Abrafrutas’ technical manager, Jorge de Souza, commented on the topic: “Everyone involved in the fruit production chain knows how much logistics impacts the competitiveness of Brazilian fruits. Having a direct route to China changes the game, shortens distances, reduces costs and, most importantly, ensures that our products arrive fresher and with higher value. This is an important achievement for us,” said the executive.

The Chinese ambassador to Brazil, Zhu Qingqiao, highlighted that the partnership is part of the implementation of the agreements signed between the leaders of the two countries. According to him, Brazil and China are two positive forces for stability and prosperity in the world.

With the new connection, transportation time can be reduced and remain within the 30-day limit, also having a positive impact on reducing transportation costs. The time now is to work to ensure that the pilot tests achieve their objectives so that the new route becomes routine.

About Frutas do Brasil

Abrafrutas (Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters), in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), is developing a project to support Brazilian exporters in their search for business expansion; opening new markets; recognition and differentiation of Brazilian fruits; and increasing the healthy habit of consuming tasty, high-quality fruits.

About Abrafrutas

The Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas) is a non-profit association whose purpose is to represent and promote Brazilian fruit production in the international market. Created in 2014, Abrafrutas has approximately 70 associated fruit producers and exporters and accounts for approximately 85% of the total volume of fresh fruit exported by Brazil.

About ApexBrasil

ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. To achieve its objectives, the agency carries out diverse trade promotion actions aimed at promoting exports and enhancing the value of Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and trade missions, business rounds, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits by foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian production structure, among other business platforms that also aim to strengthen the Brazil brand. The Agency also works in coordination with public and private actors to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors for developing the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.