PARTICULARITIES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN BRAZIL AND CHINA:

AN ANALYSIS OF THE DESTINATION OF AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTION IN THESE COUNTRIES

Abstract

This paper consists of a case study on the productive dynamics of two countries that, although they share similar aspects, also have significant differences, positioning themselves as powers in the agri-food sector. Thus, the text aims to point out the specificities of agricultural production in Brazil and China, focusing on the destination of this production. Methodologically, the article was written through the following steps: 1) bibliographic and data survey; 2) construction of tables, graphs, and charts; and 3) qualitative analysis of data and information collected. Based on an empirical analysis of the production and distribution of both countries, it can be observed that, while Brazilian production is consolidating itself as a relevant global player in international value chains, Chinese production is mainly directed towards its domestic market. Furthermore, it was also found that although Brazil is a major exporter of corn, beef, pork, and chicken, domestic consumption of these products exceeds foreign sales. The only product analyzed that deviates from this logic is soybeans, which went from approximately 40% in 2000 to 72% in 2019, reaching 2025 with 60% of its production directed to the foreign market. Both countries have recorded continuous productivity gains, which persist even in the face of sporadic seasonality, always overcome by recovery phases.