Coffee has become an unexpected symbol of growing economic cooperation among BRICS countries, as China and Brazil continue to strengthen trade and investment ties. At the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), coffee served not only as a popular consumer product but also as a showcase of expanding collaboration within the BRICS framework.
Held from September 8 in Xiamen, Fujian Province, this year’s CIFIT was hosted for the first time at a new venue, expanding its exhibition area from 120,000 square meters to 200,000 square meters. The event attracted more than 1,200 delegations from 129 countries and regions, together with 30 international organizations, reflecting its growing international influence.
The exhibition coincided with the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil as well as the China-Brazil Culture Year, making bilateral cooperation a major theme throughout the event.
Coffee trade has become one of the most visible examples of this partnership. According to official data, China imported approximately 1.12 million bags of Brazilian coffee in 2025, representing a 19.5% year-on-year increase. China has now become one of Brazil’s top ten export markets for coffee.
To highlight this growing cooperation, Luckin Coffee partnered with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) to establish a China-Brazil Pavilion at the exhibition. Centered on the theme of BRICS cooperation, the pavilion showcased achievements in coffee trade, investment and cultural exchange between the two countries. It also marked the second consecutive year that Luckin Coffee served as the event’s exclusive coffee brand.
Representatives from ApexBrasil noted that Brazilian coffee is becoming increasingly popular among Chinese consumers. Brazil-themed coffee shops have already opened in cities including Shanghai and Shenzhen, with additional locations planned as interest in Brazilian coffee and culture continues to grow.
Industry leaders also see broader opportunities for cooperation within BRICS. Luckin Coffee stated that it plans to further expand direct sourcing from major coffee-producing BRICS members, including Brazil, Ethiopia and Indonesia. By strengthening procurement from producing countries and bringing high-quality coffee directly to Chinese consumers, the company aims to support deeper economic collaboration across BRICS markets.
As trade and investment continue to expand among BRICS economies, agricultural products such as coffee are becoming an increasingly important link between producers and consumers. The cooperation highlighted at this year’s CIFIT demonstrates how everyday products can help promote stronger commercial partnerships, cultural exchanges and long-term economic development among member countries.
