New month of DataLiner data: Brazilian container exports decline in 8M25; first numbers after the U.S. tariffs

Fresh data from Datamar’s Business Intelligence team, based on DataLiner, shows that Brazilian containerized exports fell 0.7% in January–August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. In the month-on-month comparison, August 2025 showed a 4.9% decline compared to August 2024. These are the first figures since the U.S. tariffs hike on Brazilian products came into effect on August 6, raising total duties to 50%.

The chart below illustrates the trajectory of Brazilian container exports over the first eight months of each year since 2022. It shows steady growth until 2023, stabilization in 2024, and a slight downturn in 8M25. August marks the first month under the new U.S. tariff regime.

Brazilian container exports | Jan–Aug 2022 to 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Products
In 8M25, meat exports led containerized shipments (+2.4% y/y), while wood (–9.4%), cotton (–6%), and coffee (–19.6%) declined. Coffee recorded the steepest fall, in line with reduced U.S. access after the tariff increase. Industry associations already report sharp drops in U.S.-bound shipments since August.

Destinations
China remained the top destination in 8M25, though down 11.6% y/y in volume. The U.S. registered the sharpest monthly decline: –40.5% in August 2025 vs. August 2024, consistent with the sudden tariff shift and subsequent trade reallocation. Independent analysts suggest the new U.S. tariffs will reshape global beef flows, with Brazil redirecting cargoes to alternative markets while the U.S. turns to other suppliers.

Brazilian container imports remain firm in 8M25 despite the August dip

Containerized imports grew 7.3% in Jan–Aug 2025 versus the same period in 2024, although August alone slipped 3.1% year-on-year.

The chart below shows Brazil’s containerized imports for the first eight months of each year since 2022. Imports have trended upward since 2024, driven by capital and intermediate goods, while August reflects a mild adjustment after frontloaded purchases earlier in the year.

Brazilian container imports | Jan–Aug 2022 to 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Plastics led (+3.2%), followed by reactors, boilers, and machinery (+27%), and vehicles and auto parts (+7.1%). China remained the top origin (+8.7% in 8M25), followed by the U.S. (–1.9%) and Germany (+2%).

Macro context: tariffs and global trade
The U.S. tariff regime that took effect on August 6, 2025, combines a 40% surcharge with the 10% “reciprocal tariff” announced in April, raising total duties on Brazilian goods to 50%.

On August 8, the WTO revised its global trade forecast: merchandise trade is now expected to grow just 0.9% in 2025, reflecting frontloading of U.S. imports earlier in the year and slowing momentum under higher tariffs. The 2026 forecast was cut to 1.8%.

By sector, analysts highlight that the tariff hike is already redirecting beef flows — with U.S. buyers turning to alternative suppliers and Brazil reallocating cargoes to other markets. Coffee shipments from Brazil to the U.S. have also fallen sharply since August.

Regional plate: Argentina and Uruguay

Argentina: containerized exports +6.2% (8M25) and +16.4% in August; imports +69.7% (YTD) and +81.2% in August, reflecting strong restocking.

Uruguay: containerized exports +5.9% (8M25) and +6.4% in August; imports +11.6% (YTD) and +9.1% in August, showing steady growth.

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