| By ANBA

Food Africa Fair Strengthens Brazil–Egypt Halal Trade Momentum

Brazilian companies secured USD 18.5 million in immediate sales during the Food Africa exhibition in Cairo, with an additional USD 53 million in projected deals expected over the next 12 months. The strong performance followed Brazil’s coordinated trade mission to Egypt in early December, led by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

Despite fewer participating firms than last year, results more than doubled, reflecting rising demand for Brazilian halal food products in North Africa and the wider Middle East.

Halal do Brasil Project Drives Market Access

Brazil’s participation took place under the Halal do Brasil Project, an initiative jointly managed by ABCC and ApexBrasil to expand halal-certified food exports to Muslim-majority markets. Products showcased met Islamic dietary requirements and were certified accordingly, strengthening buyer confidence.

This year’s exhibitors recorded 578 business contacts, a sharp increase from 475 meetings in the previous edition. Participating companies included BRA Commodities, Aurea Internacional, Stefenoni Interagrícola, Usibras, Neoking Foods, Camap, NG Trade, and Coperaguas.

Trade Mission Opens New Commercial Channels

Alongside the exhibition, Brazilian firms joined a structured trade mission across Cairo, featuring B2B meetings with nearly 40 Egyptian buyers, visits to major retailers such as HyperOne, and a joint seminar with the Cairo Chamber of Commerce.

Companies also explored import opportunities from Egypt, leveraging the Mercosur–Egypt Free Trade Agreement, which will fully eliminate import tariffs by 2026. Egypt’s role as a gateway to African markets added further appeal for Brazilian exporters.

Institutional Engagement Expands Strategic Cooperation

Senior ABCC leadership held high-level meetings with Egyptian ministries, customs authorities, chambers of commerce, and investment bodies. Discussions focused on trade facilitation, logistics hubs in port zones, air connectivity, and digital trade systems.

One proposal included establishing a Brazilian business hub in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone, enabling wider distribution across Africa. Talks also covered the rollout of ABCC’s Ellos digital platform to streamline bilateral trade procedures.

Egypt Emerges as Gateway to Africa for Brazilian Firms

Officials highlighted Egypt’s growing domestic market, expanding tourism sector, and strategic location linking the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Egyptian stakeholders also expressed interest in using Brazil as a gateway to Latin American markets, reinforcing two-way trade ambitions.

With rising halal demand, reduced trade barriers, and stronger institutional ties, Brazil’s presence at Food Africa marks a decisive step toward deeper engagement with Egypt and the wider Islamic market.

Original Article:

ANBA News Agency. (2025). Brazilians sell USD 18.5 million in Egypt. https://anba.com.br/en/brazilians-sell-usd-18-5-million-in-egypt/