Brazil Import Data Breakdown: Which Industries Are Thriving?

Explore Brazil's import data and discover which industries are thriving. Gain insights into key sectors, top imports, and market trends driving Brazil's trade growth.

Brazil Import Data Breakdown: Which Industries Are Thriving?

Brazil, recognized as the largest economy in South America, has a dynamic and expansive import sector that plays a critical role in its economic landscape to meet the demands of its population and industries. Brazil boasts a diverse industrial landscape and a robust import sector. According to Brazil import data, Brazil’s imports reached a value of $262.5 billion in 2024, an increase of 9% from the previous year. Based on Brazil’s shipment data, Brazil’s total imports accounted for $240.79 billion in 2023, a 12% decline in imports from the previous year. Understanding Brazil's import data is essential for identifying which industries are on an upward trajectory and fueling economic growth. This analysis of Brazil's import statistics provides valuable insights into the country's vibrant markets. Let's take a closer look at the Brazil import data breakdown to identify the key industries driving the country's import growth.

Historical Background

Brazil's import economy has been shaped by its rich history of trade and development initiatives. Traditionally, Brazil has imported machinery, chemical products, electronics, and medical equipment, driven by the need to support industrial growth and meet domestic consumer demands.

In the 1990s, Brazil began to liberalize its trade policies, reducing import tariffs significantly and opening its borders to international markets. This shift led to increased importation of goods from countries worldwide, fostering competition, and stimulating innovation within the domestic market. The advancements in Brazil's increased foreign investment have further catalyzed its import sector's expansion.

Brazil’s Latest Import Trends

  • Today, Brazil's import landscape is characterized by diversification and increased focus on technology and innovation.
  • The country continues to import capital goods, which are essential for industries that are integral to its economic foundation.
  • Due to robust local demand and more investments, especially in the purchase of capital goods, Brazilian imports reached $262.5 billion in 2024 with a rise of 9% compared to the previous year. 
  • Brazil's imports fell by 12 percent in 2023 compared to 2022.
  • Brazil's trade surplus fell by over 25% in 2024 as a result of increased imports.
  • Machines, fuels and lubricants, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and parts and accessories for cars and tractors make up the majority of Brazil's imports (89 percent of total imports).
  • Eleven percent of the nation's basic materials are imported, namely wheat grain, coal, natural gas, and crude oil.
  • China accounts for 22% of Brazil's imports, followed by the US (19%), Argentina, Germany, Canada, Japan, Chile, and Mexico (2% each), and Argentina.

Recent trends highlight the growing importance of energy imports, particularly in light of Brazil's energy needs. The country imports oil derivatives and natural gas as per the Brazil diesel import data, which are vital for sustaining its industrial and utility sectors. Moreover, as Brazil deepens its commitment to renewable energy, imports of solar panels and wind turbines have seen an uptick, aligning with the global movement towards sustainable energy sources.

Top 10 imports of Brazil: Brazil Import Data by HS Code

Brazil's top 10 imports reflect the country's diversified economy and global trade relationships. These imports encompass a wide range of products, including machinery, electronics, vehicles, chemical products, and refined petroleum. Mineral fuels and oils worth $36.73 billion in total, were the biggest imports of Brazil in 2023-24. The top 10 imports of Brazil in 2023 include:

  1. Mineral fuels and oils (HS code 27): $36.73 billion (15.25%)
  2. Nuclear reactors and machinery (HS code 84): $34.65 billion (14.39%)
  3. Electrical machinery and equipment (HS code 85): $28.67 billion (11.91%)
  4. Vehicles (HS code 87): $18.58 billion (7.72%)
  5. Fertilizers (HS code 31): $14.64 billion (6.08%)
  6. Organic chemicals (HS code 29): $13.53 billion (5.62%)
  7. Pharmaceutical products (HS code 30): $10.97 billion (4.56%)
  8. Plastics and articles thereof (HS code 39): $9.22 billion (3.83%)
  9. Optical, medical, or surgical instruments (HS code 90): $7.46 billion (3.1%)
  10. Miscellaneous chemical products (HS code 38): $7.12 billion (2.96%)

Biggest Imports of Brazil in 2024

Brazil's top 10 imports remained crucial to the country's economy in 2024. The list included machinery, electrical equipment, mineral fuels, vehicles, and optical and medical equipment as some of the leading imports contributing significantly to Brazil's trade landscape. Nuclear reactors and machinery are the biggest imports of Brazil in 2024 as per the nuclear reactors import data of Brazil. Brazil’s top 10 imports in the first three quarters of 2024 as per Brazil trade data and Brazil import data are:

  1. Nuclear reactors and machinery (HS code 84): $30.19 billion
  2. Mineral fuels and mineral oils (HS code 27): $26.91 billion
  3. Electrical machinery and equipment (HS code 85): $23.10 billion
  4. Vehicles (HS code 87): $17.19 billion
  5. Organic chemicals (HS code 29): $10.19 billion
  6. Fertilizers (HS code 31): $9.85 billion
  7. Pharmaceutical products (HS code 30): $9.41 billion
  8. Plastics and articles thereof (HS code 39): $8.26 billion
  9. Optical, medical, or surgical instruments (HS code 90): $6.19 billion
  10. Miscellaneous chemical products (HS code 38): $5.19 billion

Search here by HS code : https://www.tradeimex.in/hs-code

Top 10 Import Partners of Brazil: Brazil Import Data by Country

According to the latest Brazil import data by country for 2024, Brazil's top 10 import partners play a significant role in shaping the country's trade relations. Notably, China holds the top spot as Brazil's largest import partner, followed closely by the United States, Germany, and Argentina. Brazil’s biggest import partners as per the Brazil shipment data for 2024 include:

  1. China: $53.17 billion (22.1%)
  2. USA: $38.41 billion (16%)
  3. Germany: $13.14 billion (5.5%)
  4. Argentina: $11.99 billion (5%)
  5. Russia: $10.01 billion (4.2%)
  6. India: $6.87 billion (2.9%)
  7. Italy: $5.86 billion (2.4%)
  8. Mexico: $5.54 billion (2.3%)
  9. France: $5.50 billion (2.3%)
  10. Japan: $5.12 billion (2.1%)

Brazil Import Data in the Last 10 Years

Year of Imports

Brazil’s total imports ($)

Share in global imports (%)

2013

$252.28 billion

1.3%

2014

$240.76 billion

1.3%

2015

$171.44 billion

1%

2016

$137.55 billion

0.9%

2017

$150.74 billion

0.8%

2018

$181.23 billion

0.9%

2019

$177.34 billion

0.9%

2020

$158.78 billion

0.9%

2021

$219.40 billion

1%

2022

$272.70 billion

1.1%

2023

$240.79 billion

1%

 

Which major industry products did Brazil import in 2023-24?

  • Fuel oils: Valued at $17.3 billion, it was Brazil's most expensive import in 2023.
  • Chemical fertilizers: The value of chemical fertilizers of $14.6 billion was Brazil's second-largest import in 2023.
  • Manufactured goods: 89% of Brazil's imports are manufactured commodities, which include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, fuels, and machinery.
  • Raw materials: Crude oil, coal, natural gas, and wheat grain account for about 11% of Brazil's total imports.

Biggest Buyers & Importer Companies in Brazil: Brazil Importers Data

In Brazil, some of the biggest buyers and importer companies play a significant role in the country's economy. These companies not only drive the import market but also contribute to the growth of various industries by sourcing products from international markets. The biggest and the top buyers and importers in Brazil as per the Brazil Buyers list and Brazil Importers data for 2024 include:

  1. Petrobras

  • Imports: Oil drilling equipment, machinery, and technology.
  • Import Shipments in 2024: Roughly 2,000–5,000 units of machinery and equipment annually (depending on project size).
  1. Vale

  • Imports: Mining equipment, heavy machinery, and technology.
  • Import Shipments in 2024: 2,000–3,500 units of mining machinery (e.g., dump trucks, drills) per year.
  1. Grupo Pão de Açúcar

  • Imports: Food products, beverages, retail goods.
  • Import Shipments in 2024: Imports about 1–2 million units of consumer goods annually (including packaged foods, electronics, etc.).
  1. Itaú Unibanco

  • Imports: Banking technology and equipment.
  • Import Shipments in 2024: 10,000–20,000 units (ATMs, servers, computers, etc.) per year.
  1. Ambev

  • Imports: Raw materials (barley, hops), brewing machinery.
  • Import Shipments in 2024: Imports 50,000–100,000 tons of barley and hops annually, along with 1,000–3,000 units of brewing machinery.
  1. Embraer

  • Imports: Aircraft parts, aviation components.
  • Import Shipments in 2024: Around 100,000–300,000 parts for aircraft assembly each year (including engines, wings, fuselages).
  1. Samsung Brazil

  • Imports: Consumer electronics (smartphones, TVs, electronics components).
  • Import Shipments in 2024: Imports 5–10 million units of electronics annually, including smartphones and televisions.
  1. Honda Automóveis

  • Imports: Automotive parts and cars.
  • Import Shipments in 2024: Imports 50,000–70,000 cars and 100,000+ automotive parts annually.
  1. Mercedes-Benz Brazil

  • Imports: Automotive components, full vehicles as per the Brazil vehicle importers data
  • Import Shipments in 2024: Imports 20,000–50,000 vehicles and 20,000+ parts for vehicle assembly annually.
  1. BASF Brazil

  • Imports: Raw chemicals, and materials for manufacturing.
  • Import Shipments in 2024: Imports about 1–2 million tons of raw chemicals and materials annually (plastics, fertilizers, etc.).

Biggest and Best Mineral Oil Buyers & Importers in Brazil

  1. OIL TRADING IMPORTADORA AND EXPORTADORA LTDA (17.67%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 577.33 million barrels

  1. VIBRA ENERGIA SA (12.7%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 414.83 million barrels

  1. AMAZONIA ENERGIA LTDA (12.27%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 400.67 million barrels

  1. REFINARIA DE MANAUS SA (11.87%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 388.17 million barrels

  1. BLUEWAY TRADING IMPORTACAO AND EXPORTACAO SA (10.01%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 327.33 million barrels

  1. BRASKEM IMPORTACAO E EXPORTACAO LTDA (9.51%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 310.67 million barrels

  1. PETROLEO BRASILEIRO SA PETROBRAS (5.71%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 186.67 million barrels

  1. NEOLUBES INDUSTRIA DE LUBRIFICANTES LTDA (2.86%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 93.33 million barrels

  1. REFINARIA DE PETROLEO IPIRANGA SA (2.77%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 50 million barrels

  1. BRAZILIAN MIDDLE EAST TRADING SA (2.25%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 73.50 million barrels

List of the Biggest and Best Vehicle Buyers & Importers in Brazil

  1. GENERAL MOTORS DO BRASIL LTDA (23.28%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 93,120 vehicles

  1. MERCEDES BENZ DO BRASIL LTDA (13.85%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 55,400 vehicles

  1. HYUNDAI GLOVIS (11.78%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 47,120 vehicles

  1. JOHN DEERE BRASIL LTDA (5.69%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 22,760 vehicles

  1. CNH INDUSTRIAL BRASIL LTDA (5.39%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 21,560 vehicles

  1. RENAULT COMERCIO E REPRESENTACOES LTDA (4.65%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 18,600 vehicles

  1. VOLKSWAGEN DO BRASIL S A (4.59%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 18,360 vehicles

  1. VOLVO DO BRASIL VEICULOS LTDA (3.68%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 14,720 vehicles

  1. KUEHNE AND NAGEL (3.51%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 14,040 vehicles

  1. TOYOTA DO BRASIL LTDA (2.95%)

Total Import Shipments in 2024: 11,800 vehicles

Key Influences on Import Patterns of Brazil 

  • Several factors influence Brazil's import patterns, including its geopolitical alliances, internal regulatory framework, and economic policies.
  • Fluctuations in exchange rates and global commodity prices can significantly affect import volumes and values. Similarly, trade agreements such as Mercosur impact tariff structures, facilitating or hindering the flow of goods depending on the terms negotiated.
  • Economic policies that prioritize domestic production can lead to protective measures such as subsidies or tariffs, impacting import composition. 
  • Additionally, trends in consumer demand play a crucial role; as Brazilian consumers increasingly seek high-tech and innovative products, this has reshaped the import landscape, prompting higher inflows of electronic and digital goods.

Contribution to GDP

  • Imports are a significant component of Brazil's GDP with a 15.75% GDP import share, reflecting the country's interconnectedness with the global market. Brazil's import activities supply essential raw materials and goods that fuel domestic production and consumption.
  • Electronics and Machinery: These sectors often import advanced technology and equipment which are crucial for enhancing productivity and output.
  • Chemical Industry: Imports in this sector provide pivotal materials for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals, supporting national health and food security.

These active industries not only contribute to GDP through their production and consumption but also through their ability to innovate and diversify, ultimately enhancing Brazil's economic resilience.

Industries Driving Brazil's Import Growth: Thriving Industries in Brazil

  1. Machinery and Equipment

One of the key industries driving Brazil's import growth is the machinery and equipment sector. The country relies heavily on imported machinery for its manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure development projects. From industrial machinery to agricultural equipment, Brazil imports a significant amount of machinery to meet the demands of its industries.

  1. Electronics

The electronics industry is another thriving sector in Brazil's import market. With the growing demand for consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, and computer hardware, Brazil imports a large quantity of electronic products from countries like China, the United States, and South Korea. The rapid technological advancements in this sector drive the import growth of electronics in Brazil.

  1. Vehicles and Automotive Parts

The automotive industry is a major contributor to Brazil's economy, both in terms of production and imports. The country imports a substantial number of vehicles and automotive parts to meet the demands of its domestic market. From passenger cars to commercial vehicles, Brazil relies on imported vehicles to support its transportation infrastructure.

  1. Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals

The chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry is also thriving in Brazil's import market. The country imports a wide range of chemical products, including fertilizers, plastics, and pharmaceuticals, to support its agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. The increasing demand for these products drives the import growth in the chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry.

  1. Agricultural Products and Food

Brazil is known for its rich agricultural industry, but the country also imports a significant number of agricultural products to meet the diverse needs of its population. From grains and oilseeds to fruits and vegetables, Brazil imports various agricultural products from countries around the world. The import of agricultural products plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and meeting the demands of Brazil's growing population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, acquiring the Brazil import data breakdown provides valuable insights into the key industries that are thriving in the country's import market. By understanding which industries are driving import growth, policymakers, businesses, and investors can make informed decisions to support and capitalize on the opportunities presented by Brazil's import market.

Get exclusive insights into the Brazil import market with the latest Brazil import data. Contact us at TradeImeX via info@tradeimex.in for more details and connect with our extensive trading network in Brazil by getting in contact with the top Brazilian importers and buyers. 

What's Your Reaction?

like