Brazil boosts exports, doubles trade surplus

Brasília – Brazil recorded a trade surplus of USD 7.74 billion in September, more than double the USD 3.14 billion surplus from the same month in 2025, according to figures released by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services on Tuesday (6). The increase was primarily driven by a surge in exports, which reached USD 34.4 billion, marking a 12.9% rise compared to September 2025.

Director of Foreign Trade Statistics and Studies at the ministry, Herlon Brandão, attributed the growth to a 2.3% increase in export volumes and a larger 9.9% rise in prices. Notably, crude oil exports surged by 77% to USD 2.8 billion over the past year. Imports declined by 2.4% to USD 26.7 billion, largely due to the departure of an oil platform valued over USD 2 billion from September 2024.

The European Union boosted its purchases from Brazil by 60%, largely due to oil. However, China, Brazil's largest trading partner, reduced imports by 7.6% due to falling beef exports. Brazil hit the limit for sales subject to reduced tariffs, while shipments exceeding the quota incurred an additional 55% tariff. Despite steep tariffs, beef exports to the United States surged nearly 32%, with Brazilian beef exports to the U.S. soaring 524% in September, from USD 42 million to USD 263.5 million.