Brazil agribusiness trade chief Luis Rua resigns from MAPA

Luis Rua, secretary of the Secretariat of Commerce and International Relations (SCRI) at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), announced his resignation on Monday, 13 July. The departure will be formalised in the official gazette (DOU) on 14 July.

In an interview with CNN, Rua highlighted his two‑year tenure, noting 57 international missions, the opening of more than 400 markets, 250 market expansions and a doubling of Brazil’s participation in international fairs. He cited a “highly challenging international scenario.”

During his term Rua dealt with the first avian‑influenza outbreak that halted chicken meat sales, European Union restrictions on Brazilian meat exports, and U.S. tariff discussions on Brazilian products. Prior to his appointment in October 2024, he led market negotiations at the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) and worked for BRF in corporate international relations.

Rua did not disclose his next position, though market analysts suggest he may return to ABPA. MAPA has not named his successor.