Brazil has suspended imports of dried and fermented cocoa beans from Côte d'Ivoire, the world's largest producer.

In a decree published this week, Brazil's agriculture ministry said the measure was prompted by the risk of pests or diseases in shipments from the West African country. The ministry said some exports include beans sourced from neighbouring countries whose phytosanitary status is unknown and which are of unauthorized origin for export to Brazil.

The suspension will remain in place until Ivorian authorities provide guarantees that consignments do not contain cocoa of unauthorized origin, the ministry said.

Brazil produced nearly 300,000 tons of cocoa in 2024, according to official statistics, and imported about 42,000 tons of raw and roasted cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire in 2025, based on national trade data.

The Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of Bahia, a key cocoa-producing region, said the decision followed a recent technical mission to Côte d'Ivoire.

The move comes as Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa sector faces mounting challenges, including slowing exports, liquidity constraints among buyers, and weaker global prices.

The World Bank estimates that roughly one in five Ivorians depends indirectly on cocoa for their livelihood.