The Xiamen-Brazil cargo route, launched in February 2023, marks a significant step in China-Brazil economic cooperation and a milestone for BRICS. This route reduces logistics costs, enhances cross-border e-commerce competitiveness, and supports the stability of supply chains among BRICS nations. Additionally, it provides efficient logistics solutions, fosters collaboration in the digital and green economy, and serves as a BRICS Bridge, expanding investment and trade opportunities.
BRICS bridge – Xiamen-Brazil Route
On February 10, 2023, Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET3743 launched the maiden cross-border e-commerce cargo service from Xiamen, China to São Paulo, Brazil. It serves as a great step forward for China-Brazil economic cooperation as well as a landmark experience for BRICS cooperation. Initially operating 1X weekly on Fridays, the route was expected to increase to 2X weekly in March and is served by a Boeing 777F freighter. The majority of exports onboard are high value-added goods such as cross-border e-commerce products, pharmaceuticals, high-tech products and integrated circuits, while imports are mainly fresh seafood and fruits.
The establishment of this route is of great significance for the BRICS cooperation. First, it is greatly conducive to trade fluency between China and Brazil, decreasing logistics costs for businesses in both countries, and enhancing the supplementary competitiveness of cross-border e-commerce enterprises. Second, as an important result of the Fourth BRICS Forum on the Partnership for the New Industrial Revolution, this route injects hard support for the stability of logistics and supply chains in BRICS countries. Moreover the route provides improved logistics solutions for businesses and consumers in both countries and strengthens cooperation in the digital and green economy. This has the potential to serve as a BRICS Bridge, expanding commercial access and investments between its member states.
Cross wishing the skirt of the belt and road, Xiamen, Brazil cargo route has become “air corridor” of China-Brazil trade and an important channel for BRICS countries to become a powerful engine of the global trade. With the ever-deepening cooperation in BRICS, this line will be a golden passage to promote South-South cooperation and to promote the new pattern of global trade.