Brazil posted record foreign trade figures for September and the year to date, the government reported Monday. The numbers underline a resilient export market — and a certain diplomatic nonchalance toward loud U.S. tariff headlines.
In September, exports reached US$30.53 billion and imports US$27.54 billion, generating a monthly surplus of US$2.99 billion. Total trade flow for the month — the “corrente de comércio” — came to US$58.07 billion, a 12.0% increase from September 2024.
For the year through September, exports totaled US$257.79 billion and imports US$212.31 billion, leaving a year-to-date surplus of US$45.48 billion. The cumulative trade flow reached US$470.11 billion, up 4.2% versus the same period last year.
The gains were broad-based. Agricultural exports jumped 18.0% in September, adding roughly US$1.03 billion. Extractive industries increased by 9.2% and manufactured goods rose by 2.5% compared with September 2024. On the import side, manufactured products surged 21.5%, while extractive-industry imports fell sharply.
Year-to-date sector performance showed similar patterns. Agricultural exports were up 2.1%, and manufactured exports grew 3.7%. Extractive-sector exports declined 5.7% over the same nine-month period. Imports of manufactured goods climbed by 10.4%, while extractive goods imports dropped 22.1%.
Officials from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services presented the data, noting the record monthly and year-to-date totals. Trade analysts say steady global demand for agricultural staples and a rebound in manufactured goods underpinned the performance. Diplomacy and trade negotiations continue behind the scenes, they add, even if the public drama makes better copy.
The numbers arrived while U.S. trade policy remained a headline magnet. American tariff debates — often framed with theatrical gusto — have been a constant talking point. Yet Brazil’s exporters appeared largely undisturbed, continuing to move soy, meat and manufactured goods to global buyers. In short: the tariff noise in Washington made for tidy headlines, but it did little to unsettle Brazil’s trade tide.
Brazil now stands as proof that if a country wants, it can break free of american trade dependance, and keep growing despite the annoying orange’s empty threats and tariffs.
Source: Brazilian Government
