On the Ground in China. For over Two Decades.
I’ve been operating directly in international trade, with a strong presence in China, for decades. This is not remote consulting — it is real, on-the-ground experience across sourcing, negotiation, production follow-up and shipment execution, including years spent operating within China’s sourcing environment.
Today, our presence in China is supported by a network of local professionals and trusted partners, covering translation and communication, supplier identification, sourcing, market analysis, inspections and commercial support. This network allows us to operate closer to the market and provide clients with the local knowledge and practical support required to navigate China with greater clarity and confidence.
We work with discretion, long-term relationships and a clear principle: we don’t work with competitors in the same operation.
Our role is simple: reduce risk, bring clarity and make international trade work in practice.
Combined with our experience and network in Brazil, this creates a two-sided connection between the markets: Brazilian businesses looking toward China and Chinese businesses looking toward Brazil.
info@andregraize.com.br
Andre Graize
Heritage
A Commercial History Built Over Generations
The Graize family has a longstanding commercial history in the Manhuaçu region, with previous generations building businesses, commercial relationships and a strong connection to the local economy.
Our story in the region dates back to 1923, when Amin (Andre Graize's grandfather) established the family’s business in Manhuaçu. Over the decades, this commercial tradition evolved through different stores, businesses and generations, many of which remain active to this day.
The family’s connection to commerce began even earlier, with previous generations already engaged in international trade, including cocoa exports from Bahia (Brazil).
Today, Andre Graize Global Trade represents the continuation of this commercial heritage.
With Andre Graize, CEO, and his son Andre Jr, COO, the family’s involvement in commerce has reached, to the best of our knowledge, its 5th generation.
The business has evolved, the markets have expanded, and the world has changed, but the fundamental principle remains the same: Building relationships, creating opportunities and doing business with a long-term perspective.
Location
Our Base in Southeast Brazil
AGGT is based in the Manhuaçu region, in the mountains of Minas Gerais, the largest coffee-producing region and strategically connected to major economic and logistics corridors across Southeast Brazil.
Our location places us between important markets and routes connecting Belo Horizonte, Vitória, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, while also providing access to industrial, commercial, agricultural and distribution centers across the region.
The area combines proximity to diverse supply chains with access to important roads, logistics infrastructure and ports serving Southeast Brazil.
For AGGT, this is more than a geographical location.
It is a strategic base from which we connect Brazilian businesses, international companies and global markets.
Manhumirim
Our Operational Base
Manhumirim is where AGGT maintains its operational base.
Located in the Manhuaçu region, the city provides a strategic position within a broader network connecting businesses, producers, manufacturers and service providers across eastern Minas Gerais and neighboring states.
From here, AGGT operates with a regional presence while serving businesses and partners far beyond the local market.
Local presence. International reach.
The distance from Manhumirim to:
Belo Horizonte: 300 km
Vitória: 225 km
Rio de Janeiro: 410 km
São Paulo: 730 km
Manhuaçu
Our Commercial Roots
Manhuaçu is where the commercial history of the Graize family in Brazil began.
Since 1923, the family has been connected to commerce in the region, building businesses and relationships that continued across generations.
Today, Manhuaçu remains an important commercial and economic center in eastern Minas Gerais, serving a diverse regional market that includes agribusiness, industry, manufacturing, distribution, retail and services.
For AGGT, Manhuaçu represents both heritage and opportunity — the place where our commercial roots were established and where our connection with the region continues today.
The distance from Manhuaçu to:
Belo Horizonte: 280 km
Vitória: 235 km
Rio de Janeiro: 445 km
São Paulo: 755 km
Realeza
Where Major Routes Converge
Realeza is strategically positioned at the intersection of important highways connecting Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, while also providing routes toward Bahia and other regions of Brazil.
This geographic position makes Realeza an important connection point between different markets and production areas. Connected through major road corridors including the BR-262/381 and BR-116 (Rio–Bahia), with access to major markets, ports and logistics hubs.
For AGGT, Realeza reinforces one of our greatest advantages:
being positioned where different markets and routes meet.
The distance from Realeza to:
Belo Horizonte: 270 km
Vitória: 250 km
Rio de Janeiro: 415 km
São Paulo: 720 km
International Network
Our strategic base in Southeast Brazil is supported by a broad network of collaborators and partners across Brazil and China.
In Brazil, AGGT works with collaborators and trusted partners across all Brazilian states and in ports throughout the country, providing local support and facilitating communication, logistics, inspections, operations and business development wherever our clients need us.
In China, our network includes translators, market analysts, sourcing specialists, inspectors and other local professionals, as well as a wide range of trusted commercial and operational partners.
We are not limited by the location of our office. Our network extends wherever business takes us.
Global Reach
Regional Roots. International Operations.
Our roots are regional, but our business operates globally.
AGGT works across Brazil and China through a network of clients, partners, suppliers and international business relationships built through years of direct experience in international trade.
Our work goes beyond importing and exporting products. We help connect companies, markets and opportunities between countries — supporting international companies entering Brazil while also helping Brazilian businesses access international markets.
China is a particularly important part of our international experience, built through years of direct engagement with manufacturers, suppliers, commercial partners and business environments across the country.
We operate as a bridge between Brazil and China — helping Brazilian and Chinese businesses understand each other, access new markets and build long-term commercial relationships.
On the Ground in Global Trade
Real moments from years of international operations across China, the Middle East and Europe. This is not staged content — it reflects on-the-ground experience, long-term relationships and how global trade actually happens.
Closing Deals on the Ground
Real negotiations. Real partnerships. Built on the ground in China.
Local Partnerships
Long-term relationships with local partners across different regions.
Trust Beyond Business
Business in China is built on trust, relationships, and shared experiences — not just contracts.
Local Structure, Real Access
On the road, operating with trusted local drivers and support teams to move efficiently across cities, suppliers and negotiations.
Where Details Define Success
Every detail matters — alignment, communication and cultural understanding.
Dubai, UAE
Global vision, local execution.
From China to the Middle East: expanding opportunities across borders.
Access to China’s Financial Ecosystem
Participation in institutional events, including the opening of a Bank of Ningbo branch in Qingdao.
Beyond the Big Cities
Real sourcing happens across regions , far beyond the major commercial centers.
As in the Tao: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Inside China's Scale
In China, volume and speed are not concepts — they are part of everyday operations.
Comfort, Even Far From Home
Quality food and familiar options are always part of the journey — making long stays in China both productive and comfortable.
More Than Logistics
Staying close to the Futian Market (Yiwu) with trusted, convenient hotels and friendly local support. Small details that make a big difference in daily operations.
A Different Side of China
China is not only factories and negotiations — it also offers balance, coastal cities and moments to breathe between deals.
Qingdao, Shandong
At the Heart of Global Trade
Operating inside one of the most dynamic commercial environments in the world.
Nanjing Lu, Shanghai
Jinhua, China
Walking the mountains with long-term partner Bin. Moments like these reflect how real business in China is built: through trust, time and shared experiences beyond the office.
Global Energy
Beyond the trading floors, Yiwu reveals a vibrant international lifestyle — where cultures meet, deals continue and connections grow.
Legacy is Built in Time
“Those who see far, build beyond their time.” Every strong structure begins first in the mind.
Across Borders
Operating between continents, building bridges across cultures — because international business demands more than distance, it demands presence.
Qingdao City Hall
Doing business in China goes beyond suppliers — it requires understanding the systems, the structure and the environment that sustain everything.
Who is Andre Graize?
I am not defined by a title — but by a journey.
Since 1998, when I entered International Trade at UNA-BH, my path has been shaped by real-world experience, crossing borders, cultures and markets. What started as a profession became a lifelong commitment to understanding how business truly happens across the world.
From factory floors in China to business environments in the Middle East, I have learned that international trade goes far beyond transactions — it is about presence, relationships and cultural intelligence.
I believe in one principle: being there makes all the difference.
A deeper story is still being written.
For now, more insights can be found on LinkedIn and social platforms.
A dedicated channel about global trade, culture and real-world business is coming soon.
Kind regards,
André Graize