Ukraine and Brazil plan to expand cooperation in biofuel production

Ukraine and Brazil are exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in biofuel production, particularly bioethanol and biodiesel. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi, First Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk and Brazilian Ambassador to Ukraine Rafael de Mello Vidal. One of the key areas of cooperation identified by the parties was the use of Brazil’s experience to develop domestic processing of Ukrainian agricultural raw materials and increase the production of higher-value-added products.

Brazil has extensive experience in developing its bioethanol and biodiesel industries, including production technologies and government regulatory mechanisms. Ukraine, in turn, has a substantial feedstock base, particularly corn, which can be used for bioethanol production. According to Taras Vysotskyi, one of the priorities of Ukraine’s agricultural sector is to increase domestic processing rather than export raw materials. Developing biofuel production could become one of the ways to realize this potential.

Following the meeting, the parties discussed the possibility of preparing a joint document on cooperation in biofuels. Potential next steps include consultations between Ukrainian and Brazilian specialists, thematic webinars, exchanges of technological and regulatory experience, and private sector involvement. However, no specific investment projects or future production volumes have been announced so far.

The situation surrounding Ukraine’s seaborne agricultural exports was also discussed during the meeting. The Ukrainian side informed its Brazilian partners about the consequences of systematic Russian attacks on port infrastructure and the effective blockade of exports through the deepwater ports of Greater Odesa. It was emphasized that restrictions on maritime shipments affect not only the economic resilience of Ukrainian farmers but also global food supplies and international market prices. Under these conditions, the development of domestic agricultural processing is becoming increasingly important.

In addition to biofuels, Ukraine and Brazil discussed expanding bilateral trade in agricultural products. In particular, the talks covered the necessary procedures for granting Brazilian animal products access to the Ukrainian market, as well as the possibility of opening the Brazilian market to Ukrainian pulses and apples. In 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries reached $335.6 mln, an increase of 11.5% compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, Ukrainian exports to Brazil rose by 97% to $71.1 mln, indicating expanding trade relations between the two countries.

Tags: Ukraine, corn, Brazil, biodiesel, biofuel, bioethanol