China strengthens lead in Brazilian exports

Between January and September 2025, Brazil’s exports to China totaled US$75.5 billion, a 1.3% decline compared with the same period in 2024, according to data from the Brazil-China Business Council (CEBC). Despite the slight drop, the Asian country remained Brazil’s top export destination, accounting for 29.3% of total shipments — nearly three times the share of the United States, which stood at 11.3%.

See below a historical chart of Brazil’s containerized exports to China starting from January 2022. The chart was prepared with DataLiner figures:

Brazilian Container Exports to China | Jan 2022 – Aug 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

In September, Brazil’s exports to China rose 15% compared with the same month in 2024, while shipments to the U.S. fell 20%, pressured by new trade tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Among Brazil’s ten largest trade partners, only the United States recorded a drop in purchases.

Brazilian imports of Chinese goods increased 15.4% year-to-date — a faster pace than total imports (8.2%) and those from the U.S. (11.8%). China accounted for 25% of Brazil’s total imports, reinforcing its position as the country’s leading supplier.

Brazil posted a US$22 billion trade surplus with China during the period, while its deficit with the U.S. widened to US$5.1 billion — nearly four times the 2024 level. The manufacturing industry stood out, with exports to China up 19.5% to US$15.7 billion, boosting its share to 20.8%.

China absorbed half of Brazil’s agricultural exports and about 50% of the extractive industry’s output. Soybean sales rose 2%, driven by an 11% increase in volume, while iron ore and oil shipments fell 11% and 9%, respectively. Meanwhile, ferroalloy exports jumped 49%, the largest gain among Brazil’s top ten exports to China.

Source: Agrolink

Sharing is caring!