Brazil trade surplus jumps to $7.7bn as September exports hit record

Brazil posted a US$7.74 billion trade surplus in September, more than doubling the result from a year earlier as exports rose sharply and imports declined.

Exports totaled US$34.42 billion, up 12.9% from September 2025, while imports fell 2.4% to US$26.68 billion, according to data released Tuesday by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, or MDIC. The September export value was a record for the month. UOL Economia

The trade surplus increased 146.4% year over year, from US$3.14 billion in September 2025. Total trade flows reached roughly US$61.1 billion during the month. CNN Brasil

Extractive exports lead September growth

Brazil’s extractive industry recorded the strongest export growth among the major sectors.

Exports from the segment jumped 39.8% year over year to US$9.44 billion, supported by stronger shipments of commodities including crude oil and iron ore.

Agricultural exports rose 4.8% to US$7 billion, while manufacturing exports increased 5.3% to US$17.67 billion. UOL Economia

Crude oil was Brazil’s largest individual export item in September, generating about US$6.5 billion, followed by soybeans at US$3.5 billion and iron ore at about US$2 billion. UOL Economia

Official trade indicators also show that September’s performance was not driven by prices alone. Export volumes increased 2.3% year over year, while export prices rose 9.9%. On a seasonally adjusted basis, export volume was 1.7% higher than in August. Balanca

Brazil trade surplus reaches $62.4bn through September

From January through September, Brazil accumulated a US$62.4 billion trade surplus, up 34.8% from the same period of 2025.

Exports reached US$284.65 billion, an increase of 10.4%, while imports totaled US$222.26 billion, up 5%. UOL Economia

The extractive industry again stood out in the year-to-date figures, with exports rising 21.2% to US$71.15 billion. Agricultural exports increased 8.9% to US$64.84 billion, while manufacturing sales abroad rose 6.3% to US$146.92 billion. UOL Economia

The rise in export volumes has implications for Brazil’s major commodity corridors and ports, particularly as crude oil, soybeans and iron ore continue to account for a significant share of outbound cargo.

Government lowers 2026 surplus forecast

Despite the strong September result, the MDIC lowered its projection for Brazil’s full-year trade surplus.

The ministry now expects a surplus of US$84.4 billion in 2026, down from its previous estimate of US$90 billion. If confirmed, the result would still be 24% higher than the US$68.1 billion surplus recorded in 2025. UOL Notícias

The updated forecast assumes US$382.5 billion in exports, up 9.8% year over year, and US$298.1 billion in imports, an increase of 6.4%. UOL Notícias

September’s results leave the Brazil trade surplus firmly above last year’s level, with the export side benefiting particularly from stronger extractive-industry sales and higher commodity values.

Source: UOL Economia