The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) has suspended the importation of fermented and dried cocoa beans from the Ivory Coast, which is the world's largest cocoa producer. This decision, published on Tuesday in the Official Diary of the Union, takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the Ivory Coast can clarify its status regarding potential phytosanitary risks. The trigger for this suspension appears to be concerns over the high volume of cocoa beans that could be mixed with those from neighboring countries, which might carry pests or diseases that could threaten Brazilian crops.

Last year, the Ivory Coast exported 41,600 tons of cocoa to Brazil, accounting for a significant 37% of the total 112,800 tons imported by the country. This underscores the reliance of the Brazilian chocolate industry on Ivorian cocoa, making the suspension a critical issue for local manufacturers. The Brazilian government is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing agricultural health by requiring guarantees from the Ivory Coast to ensure that future shipments are uncontaminated by foreign pests or diseases.

Furthermore, the publication underscores the need for further investigation by both the Secretariat of Commerce and International Relations and the Secretariat of Agricultural Defense into the allegations of mixed grain shipments from neighboring regions. This step reflects Brazil's broader strategy to maintain agricultural standards and safeguard its domestic food supply chain amid rising global trade risks.