Brazil Halts Cocoa Bean Imports from Ivory Coast

Brazil has officially suspended imports of cocoa beans from Ivory Coast, the world's largest cocoa producer, due to concerns over pest and disease risks. The suspension was enacted through a decree published by Brazil's Agriculture Minister and will remain in effect until Ivorian authorities can guarantee that shipments do not contain beans from neighboring countries with unknown phytosanitary statuses.

This decision follows a technical mission to Ivory Coast earlier in the month. Brazil is projected to produce nearly 300,000 tons of cocoa in 2024 and has imported approximately 42,000 tons of raw and roasted cocoa from Ivory Coast in 2025.

The cocoa sector in Ivory Coast is currently facing significant challenges, including a slowdown in exports and a slump in global prices, which have impacted the livelihoods of five million people indirectly reliant on cocoa in the country.