Brazilian melons will soon become the first-ever fruit from the South American country to enter the Chinese market.

The two countries recently signed a deal for melon exports, in a major milestone for Brazil.

According to the Brazilian Fruit Growers and Exporters Association (Abrafrutas), the agreement was made official during a meeting with President Jair Bolsonaro and President Xi Jinping at the ninth annual BRICS Summit in Brazil. 

In exchange, Brazil is opening its market to Chinese pears.

"Melons will be the first Brazilian fruit to enter China," said Abrafrutas president Luiz Roberto Barcelos.

He commented that despite being a large melon producer, China can not supply the local market year-round due to climatic limitations.

Barcelos described the opening of the market as "extremely valuable".

"Not only is this a huge step for melons, but also for all Brazilian fruit," he said. “With the entrance of the melon, we think that doors will open for many more fruits."

He also said that this move “reinforces the relationship between Brazil and China even more - especially in agriculture”. 

However, commented Barcelos, there is much work to be done in order to open up the market to other fruits.

Melons were one of several Brazilian fruits that saw strong export growth in the first half of this year.