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When asked, “What are the main exports of Brazil?”, most people may say ‘soybeans’ or ‘coffee.’ However, the 2025 reality is much more dynamic and valuable for export businesses to understand.
Inthis article, TradeInt breaks down Brazil’s top 10 export products with fresh 2024-2025 performance data, revealing market movement, production drivers and the competitive edges you won’t find in standard trade summaries.
How did the export market of Brazil perform in 2024-2025?
Brazil’s export market maintained a steady upward trajectory from 2024 to 2025, with July marking a particularly strong month.
According to the Foreign Trade Secretariat (MDIC), exports in July 2025 reached US$32.31 billion, up 4.8% in value and 7.2% in volume compared to July last year. From January to July, total exports stood at US$198 billion, edging up 0.1% in value and 2% in volume year-on-year. This brought Brazil’s total trade flow for the period to US$359 billion, resulting in a US$37 billion trade surplus.
| Month | Value (USD Billion) | Key Policies/Shifts | Top 10 HS Codes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.18 | Stable exports, but global demand was soft. No major policy changes. Grain and oilseed exports remained strong. |
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| February | 22.93 | Drop in export value driven by weaker global commodity prices, lower soy shipments, and post-holiday manufacturing slowdown. | |
| March | 29.18 | Strong rebound due to high demand for beef, oil, and copper: improved global prices and a seasonal uptick in agricultural exports. | |
| April | 30.41 | Peak in exports, led by strong shipments to the US, EU, and Latin America. Trade talks intensified on the potential impact of US tariffs and European carbon border rules. | |
| May | 🔒 Unlock data | The government discussed the Economic Reciprocity Law to counter new US/EU tariffs and carbon regulations, signaling possible retaliatory measures. | |
| June | 🔒 Unlock data | The US announced 40% tariffs to take effect in August, causing exporters to start shifting shipments toward Europe and Asia. Some companies ramped up pre-tariff deliveries. | |
| July | 🔒 Unlock data | The government launched aid programs for businesses affected by US trade barriers and supported exports to other markets. |
On the product side, July’s growth was driven by beef, crude petroleum oils, copper ores, and unroasted coffee. The manufacturing sector led in export value growth at 7.4%, followed by the extractive industry at 3.6%. Agriculture and livestock posted a modest 0.3% increase.
What are the top 10 main exports of Brazil?
The main export of Brazil in 2024 was mineral fuels, including oil, worth US$57.16 billion and making up 17% of the country’s total exports. Close behind were oilseeds, such as soybeans, at US$43.83 billion (13%), followed by ores, slag, and ash at US$35.04 billion (10%).
These figures show that when it comes to what Brazil mainly exports, the country’s biggest export strengths lie in energy, agriculture, and mining, with other key products including meat, sugar, machinery, and coffee.
| Rank | Products | Value (USD Billion) |
Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mineral fuels, including oil | 57.16 | 17.0% |
| 2 | Oilseeds (soy bean) | 43.83 | 13.0% |
| 3 | Ores, slag, ash | 35.04 | 10.0% |
| 4 | Meat | 24.55 | 7.3% |
| 5 | Sugar, sugar confectionery | 18.84 | 5.6% |
| 6 | Machinery including computers | 12.98 | 3.9% |
| 7 | Iron, steel | 11.92 | 3.5% |
| 8 | Vehicles | 11.89 | 3.5% |
| 9 | Coffee, tea, spices | 11.85 | 3.5% |
| 10 | Food industry waste, animal fodder | 10.70 | 3.2% |
Real stories and real opportunities sit in real data: which buyers are driving the surge, what prices they’re paying, and how those trends shift month to month.
With TradeIn’t Brazil market insights, you can drill shipment-level data, filter by HS code, and see the full buyer list behind Brazil’s biggest export deals.
#Top 1 Export: Mineral fuels and oil
Who are the major producers/exporters of mineral fuels and oil in Brazil?
According to TradeInt, the top exporting company of mineral fuels and oil in Brazil is TUPY S.A., which approximately exported 50.76 million tons (Mt) between June 2024 and 2025. For Brazil’s soybean commodity, the main export destinations are the United States, India, and China. While the top five HS codes for this commodity export category are locked and require a subscription to view, the subsequent codes from 6 to 10 are visible and include: 6. 2606, 7. 2716, 8. 2604, 9. 2616, and 10. 2530.
Top 10 Countries for Brazil’s Mineral Exports
Mineral oils, primarily crude petroleum, have become Brazil’s biggest export, overtaking soybeans in 2024 for the first time in history. Here are the top 10 countries to which Brazil exports mineral fuels and oil:
- United States
- India
- China
- Vietnam
- Peru
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Cuba
- Bangladesh
- Colombia
| Top 5 Exporting Companies | Export Weight (million ton, Mt) |
Top 10 Countries of Destinations | Top 10 HS Codes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TUPY S A | 50.76 Mt |
|
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| 🔒 Unlock data | 1,140.76 Mt | ||
| 🔒 Unlock data | 142.06 Mt | ||
| 🔒 Unlock data | 0.322 Mt | ||
| CSA DO BRASIL NEGOCIOS EM LOG LTDA | 10.50 Mt |
Last year, exports of mineral fuels, mineral oils, and related products reached US$57.16 billion, accounting for 17% of Brazil’s total export value. This shift to being Brazil’s biggest export was largely driven by output from the country’s pre-salt oil fields, which supplied more than 70% of national production and delivered volumes high enough to push Brazil into a consistent net oil exporter position.
However, May 2025 witnessed lower sales in the U.S., Netherlands, and Spain with limited domestic refining capacity, meaning 52.1% of crude output is shipped abroad, often refined overseas, and in some cases re-imported as diesel or gasoline. This resulted in a US$555 million drop from May 2025 and an 11% month-on-month decline in Brazil’s export value for mineral oils.
Meanwhile, China remains the largest buyer, at US$2.04 billion, followed by Singapore, the U.S., the Netherlands, and Portugal.
When leading exporters achieve high values with lower shipment volumes, it raises critical questions about pricing strategy, supply chain relationships and demand dynamics.
Book a demo to learn how you can uncover these hidden trade insights with TradeInt
#Top 2 Export: Soybeans
Who are the largest exporter countries of soybeans?
While many sources may still state that Brazil is the largest exporter of soybeans in the world, recent data from TradeInt for the period of June 2024 to 2025 shows a different ranking. According to this data, Brazil ranked as the 4th largest exporter with an export value of $3.13 billion, behind Argentina, the United States, and Canada. Brazil’s top three partnering import countries are Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
Top 10 Global Exporter Countries by Export Value (June 2024 – 2025)
- Argentina ($194.46 billion)
- United States ($5.71 billion)
- Canada ($4.07 billion)
- Brazil ($3.13 billion)
- Paraguay (2.66 billion)
- Djibouti
- Turkey
- China
- Bolivia
- Mongolia
| Top 5 Exporting Companies | Export Values (USD$) | Top 10 Countries of Destinations | Top 10 HS Codes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIETNAM AGRIBUSINESS HOLDINGS PTE LTD | 🔒 Unlock data |
|
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| LOUIS DREYFUS COMPANY | 🔒 Unlock data | ||
| 🔒 Unlock data | $244.5 million | ||
| 🔒 Unlock data | $244.1 million | ||
| 🔒 Unlock data | $182.4 million |
USDA projections for the 2024/2025 marketing year put production at 169 million tons, with 109 million tons destined for export, with nearly 60% of global trade, according to Reuters.
Most exports move through southern ports like Santos, Rio Grande, and Paranaguá, but northern Amazon ports are gaining ground, cutting transit times to Europe and Asia by up to five days. This logistical advantage, paired with a weaker Brazilian real, down 14% against the USD, helps keep prices competitive even when global soybean prices fall.
Infrastructure investments, especially in rail expansion, are set to lower transport costs and strengthen Brazil’s role as a cost-efficient, high-volume supplier. For global buyers asking what Brazil mainly exports, soybeans are a symbol of Brazil’s long-term dominance in agricultural trade.
Soybeans, Brazil’s No.2 export, are in high demand for animal feed, cooking oil, and biodiesel, with China leading global imports. This underscores Brazil’s pivotal role in food security and renewable energy markets.
Search global soybean trade records now with TradeInt’s Global Trade Search Tool
#Top 3 Export: Ores, Slag, Ash
Ores, slag, and ash remain the main export products of Brazil, largely driven by the country’s vast iron ore reserves. In June 2025, exports totaled US$2.62 billion, while imports stood at just US$60.3 million, giving Brazil a positive trade balance of US$2.56 billion in this category.
With that being said, the top export markets for this sector in H1 2025 are:
| Rank | Market | Value (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 1.69 |
| 2 | Malaysia | 0.233 |
| 3 | Oman | 0.101 |
| 4 | Japan | 0.065 |
| 5 | Canada | 0.062 |
Brazil’s iron ore is a core input for global steel production, while copper, bauxite, and other mineral outputs serve industries ranging from construction to electronics. Slag and ash, byproducts of smelting, also find buyers in the cement and infrastructure sectors.
The country’s export strength in this sector is rooted in geology and logistics. Brazil hosts some of the world’s richest iron ore deposits and benefits from a network of deep-water ports that can handle high-volume bulk carriers.
However, the industry faces three key challenges: commodity price volatility, shifting import regulations, and environmental scrutiny over mining operations. These factors can influence both export earnings and operational costs.
Still, Brazil’s competitive advantage is hard to match. By leveraging its resource base, expanding market reach beyond traditional buyers, and investing in mining technology, Brazil can maintain its status as a top global supplier.
#Top 4 Export: Meat
Meat remains Brazil’s biggest export, with beef leading the charge in 2025’s strong performance. From January to May 2025, Brazilian beef exports totaled 1.348 million tons, up 12.6% year-on-year, generating US$5.941 billion in revenue, a 22.5% increase from the same period in 2024.
| Rank | Import Countries | Shipment | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 35,798 | 0.95 Mt |
| 2 | Philippines | 11,285 | 0.35 Mt |
| 3 | China | 10,670 | 0.33 Mt |
| 4 | U.S. | 7,859 | 0.21 Mt |
| 5 | Mexico | 7,796 | 0.22 Mt |
While China still tops the buyer list, accounting for 41.5% of total revenue (497.52 thousand tons and US$2.465 billion market value), the most remarkable growth came from the United States.
Within the H1 2025, U.S. purchases surged to 321.82 thousand tons, a 78.7% volume jump, despite a new 10% tariff. Revenue from the U.S. soared 112.4% to US$1.082 billion, driven by reduced domestic supply, herd shrinkage, and rising production costs in the U.S. itself. Chile followed as the third-largest importer, buying 49.33 thousand tons worth US$263.1 million, up 44.6% in value.
Brazil’s position in the global meat trade is built on quality, certification, and diversity. Leading exporters maintain strict quality control, offer halal-certified beef and poultry to meet Middle Eastern and Asian demand, and provide a wide product range, from premium beef cuts to specialized poultry parts.
On the other hand, sustainability efforts, including traceability systems and lower-carbon farming practices, further boost Brazil’s credibility among importers.
Did you know, China is not only Brazil’s biggest meat importer, but also the world’s largest beef importer, with almost double the imported volume of meat compared to the United States?
Read this article to find out the top 10 beef importing countries and why China imported the most.
#Top 5 Export: Sugar, sugar confectionery
Sugar and sugar confectionery remain among the main export products of Brazil, supported by the country’s dominance in global production and trade.
Brazil currently accounts for about 40% of the world’s exported sugar, with projections showing it will maintain its leadership through 2029, supplying roughly 18% of global output. Favorable climate conditions, vast sugarcane plantations, and advanced refining technology give Brazil a cost and scale advantage that few competitors can match.
| Year | Total Value (USD Billion) |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 9.62 |
| 2015 | 7.78 |
| 2016 | 10.6 |
| 2017 | 11.6 |
| 2018 | 6.67 |
| 2019 | 5.34 |
| 2020 | 8.89 |
| 2021 | 9.38 |
| 2022 | 11.2 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 18.8 |
The country’s sugar industry serves diverse global markets, China, India, the EU, Indonesia, and the U.S, supplying both raw and refined products for use in beverages, confectionery, bakery, dairy, sauces, and processed foods.
Brazil’s exports span multiple product types, from VHP (Very High Polarization) raw sugar for refineries to Refined ICUMSA 45 for premium food and pharmaceutical applications, as well as crystal and liquid sugars for industrial production.
At the heart of Brazil’s sugar export machine are major players like Copersucar, the world’s largest sugar and ethanol cooperative, and Raízen, a joint venture between Shell and Cosan.
Copersucar sugar type alone moves over 5 million metric tons annually, powered by its Santos terminal, which handles 3 million tons a year with automated loading systems and direct shipping lines to Asia, Africa, and beyond. This infrastructure ensures timely, high-volume deliveries for global buyers, even for orders exceeding 50,000 tons.
#Top 6 Export: Machinery
Brazil’s machinery exports, valued at over $12 billion annually, face significant supply chain and logistics issues. In contrast, machinery is Malaysia’s second-largest export, highlighting its different approaches to global trade.
You may read: Malaysia’s Top 10 Import Product List 2025 Full Insights
#Top 7 Export: Iron, Steel
Iron and steel remain a critical part of Brazil’s industrial and export portfolio, ranking among the main export products of Brazil alongside oil, soybeans, and ores.
In July 2025, Brazil shipped a record 41.1 million tons of iron ore, up 4.7% year-on-year and surpassing the monthly record in December 2015, marking the highest monthly export level in history. However, export revenues fell 8.8% to US$2.62 billion, as global prices dropped about 13% compared to July 2024.
The market outlook is closely tied to China, one of Brazil’s largest buyers of iron ore, where infrastructure stimulus plans are expected to keep prices above US$100/t in the short term. Still, forecasts from Moody’s and BMI suggest average prices in 2025 will hover between USD 80–100/t, reflecting pressure from high global supply and slower-than-expected Chinese demand.
Brazil is also a significant exporter of finished steel products, supplying around 18 million tons annually to markets in South America (Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Chile) and further afield to the U.S., Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Brazilian steel is valued for its quality, particularly in the automotive industry, but faces stiff competition from lower-cost Chinese steel, which can undercut prices in certain applications.
Iron ore is one of Brazil’s biggest exports by volume, and steel products add high-value processing to this mineral wealth. With targeted tax reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and export incentives, Brazil has the potential to fully utilize its production capacity and strengthen its position in the global metals market.
While steel is a major production sector in Brazil, the country only stood in 9th position among the top 10 steel exporters in the world. THe list is led by this country with up to 94.3 MT volume just withing 2023.
You may read: Top 10 Steel Exporting Countries in the World
#Top 8 Export: Vehicles
Vehicles have emerged as one of the fastest-growing main export products of Brazil in 2025, fueled by strong demand from regional partners and supported by trade agreements under MERCOSUR.
In the first quarter of 2025, exports surged 41% year-on-year to 115,600 units, with March alone seeing 38,900 vehicles shipped (+19% y/y). This sector was up 60% compared to last year, even with high domestic interest rates, 15% Selic, with car loans reaching up to 27% annually. This dynamic has pushed automakers to lean more heavily on export markets to sustain production volumes.
| Quarter | Total Vehicles Exported |
|---|---|
| Q1 2024 | 82,200 |
| Q1 2025 | 115,600 |
OEC reported that Argentina accounted for 58% of these exports, 67,630 units, a 120% jump over the same period in 2024, making it the primary driver of growth. Mexico ranked second, though Brazil’s share in other Latin American markets has softened, raising concerns over rising competition.
Vehicle production also rose sharply mid-year, with June–July output up 15.7% to 237,800 units, led by a 22.3% jump in passenger car manufacturing, according to Trading View.
Brazil’s automotive advantage relies on its mature manufacturing base, regional trade incentives, and specialization in flex-fuel vehicles. However, the industry is also adapting to shifts in consumer preference: electric and hybrid vehicles now account for about 10% of new registrations, though most are imported from China.
#Top 9 Export: Coffee, Tea, Spices
Coffee, tea, mate, and spices together form one of the most established and globally recognized main export products of Brazil, with coffee alone securing the country’s position as the world’s largest producer for more than 150 years.
In 2024, Brazil’s exports in this category reached US$11.85 billion, with coffee accounting for the vast majority of trade value. The U.S., Germany, and Italy remain the top buyers, with instant coffee being a key segment alongside premium Arabica beans grown in Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, São Paulo, Bahia, Rondônia, and Paraná.
Especially in coffee production, Brazil’s competitive edge comes from scale and quality. This scale allows Brazil to be the biggest coffee export market, with exporters diversified from specialty coffee roasters in Europe to bulk buyers in North America, while maintaining price competitiveness.
| Market | % of Global Production | Total Production (2024/2025, 60 KG Bags) |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 37% | 64.7 Million |
| Vietnam | 17% | 29 Million |
| Colombia | 8% | 13.2 Million |
| Indonesia | 6% | 10.7 Million |
| Ethiopia | 6% | 10.63 Million |
| Uganda | 4% | 6.7 Million |
| India | 4% | 6.2 Million |
| Honduras | 3% | 5.52 Million |
| Peru | 2% | 3.88 Million |
| Mexico | 2% | 3.87 Million |
Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the world every single day. TradeInt shares Brazilian coffee consumption in the largest markets, like the United States, Germany, and more.
You may read: Top 10 coffee importing countries in the world
In the spice segment, Brazil is a leading exporter of black pepper, with 90% of production concentrated in Pará, and an important supplier of cloves from Bahia. Other exports include anise, cinnamon, fennel, coriander, nutmeg, and chili peppers.
While smaller in volume, these products add diversification to the country’s agricultural trade portfolio. Tea, though niche compared to coffee, holds cultural significance and serves select markets such as the U.S., Venezuela, and India, with varieties including Japanese-style green tea, white tea, and organic blends.
#Top 10 Export: Food industry waste, Animal fodders
Food industry waste and animal fodder may not be Brazil’s biggest export, but it is a notable part of the country’s trade portfolio and an example of how resource efficiency can create value. In 2024, exports in this category to the United Arab Emirates alone totaled US$26.66 million, according to Trading Economics.
These shipments include oil-cake from soybean processing, bran, cereal residues, and animal protein meals, byproducts of Brazil’s massive agricultural and food production industry.
Brazil’s scale as a leading global producer of soybeans, meat, and grains means it generates large volumes of high-protein processing residues, making it a natural supplier of animal feed ingredients to global markets. Converting these byproducts into exportable goods not only brings economic returns but also supports circular economy goals by reducing waste in the supply chain.
The UAE is one of several key markets, with demand driven by livestock production needs in regions that lack sufficient domestic feed resources. The economic logic is clear: what starts as “waste” from Brazil’s primary food processing industries becomes a valuable input for global agriculture.
Brazil’s Biggest Exports, Decoded & Ready for Your Strategy
Brazil’s export economy thrives on diversity, from soybeans feeding global food chains to iron ore powering industrial giants, and meat carving out a fast-growing share in premium markets. Each product tells a story of shifting demand, pricing strategies, and strategic trade relationships.
TradeInt’s AI-powered Trade Intelligence platform transforms billions of shipment records into actionable trade insights, pinpointing shifts in demand, pricing, and trade flows before your competitors even notice. With interactive dashboards, real-time alerts, and predictive pathways, you’re on your next move of following and setting the global trade pulse.
