DataLiner: Containerized Imports from China Grow 30.7% in 2024

Newly released Datamar data on Brazil’s containerized trade for 2024 show that imports from China grew by 30.7%, while exports slightly increased by 2.7%.

China remains Brazil’s top trading partner for both imports and exports. Nearly 50% of Brazil’s imports originate from China. In 2024, 1.595.302 TEUs were imported, compared to 1,220,337 TEUs in 2023. For comparison, imports from the United States, Brazil’s second-largest trading partner, totaled 325.493 TEUs.

Check below a historical overview of Brazil’s imports from China. Data from DataLiner:

China Imports | Jan 2021 – Dec 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

The key drivers of this increase include Reactors, which saw an increase of nearly 50%; Electrical equipment, which grew 21.7%; and Vehicles and auto parts, which recorded a notable rise of 103%.

Exports

China is also the primary destination for Brazilian exports. However, in 2024, the shipment growth was modest at 2.7%. Meat remains Brazil’s most exported product to China despite a 4% decline in volume compared to 2023. Pulp shipments also fell by 2.7%. On the other hand, cotton exports saw a significant increase of 10.8%.

Check below a historical overview of Brazilian exports to China since 2019. Data from DataLiner:

China Exports | Jan 2021 – Dec 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Outlook

What’s the outlook for Brazil-U.S. trade in 2025? The trend is for continued growth. With the trade war between China and the United States intensifying following Donald Trump’s election and the 10% tariff increase on Chinese products announced on January 1, China is expected to seek new trading partners and increase its purchases from Brazil.

China’s 30% Growth Fuels Brazil’s Trade

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