Brazil has officially suspended imports of dried and fermented cocoa beans from Ivory Coast, a significant player in the global cocoa market and the world's largest producer. This decision, announced by Brazil's agriculture ministry, cites fears that imported beans may carry pests or diseases given that the Ivoirian production might include grains from neighboring countries with concerning phytosanitary conditions. The suspension will remain until Ivorian authorities can assure Brazilian officials that exports do not contain beans from areas classified as risky due to unverified phytosanitary statuses.

In terms of cocoa production, Brazil has made strides, producing nearly 300,000 tonnes of cocoa in 2024 as per national statistics. The country's import activities were also notable, with Brazil importing 42,000 tonnes of cocoa from Ivory Coast in 2025. The Federation of Agriculture and Livestock in Bahia, one of Brazil's dominant cocoa-producing states, has expressed its concerns regarding this suspension and its potential impact on the local cocoa economy and trade dynamics.

The implications of this policy will likely ripple through the cocoa market, not just impacting Brazil and Ivory Coast, but also affecting global prices and supply chains. The decision showcases Brazil's stringent approach to agricultural imports, emphasizing the necessity for robust phytosanitary measures to protect local agriculture, while placing pressure on Ivory Coast to rectify its export protocols to regain access to this important market.