Brazil creates export processing zone in Pará 

Brazil’s government on Friday (Jan 23) issued a decree formally establishing a new Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Barcarena, in the northern state of Pará, a move aimed at strengthening export-oriented industrial activity in the Amazon region.

The Barcarena EPZ was approved in November 2025 by Brazil’s National Council of Export Processing Zones and will be developed within the Barcarena Industrial District, covering an area of 271 hectares.

The zone already has an approved anchor project. Bravo Metals Ltd. plans to install a processing plant for platinum group metals, nickel and copper at the site, with planned investments of 1 billion reais. The project is expected to generate around 2,500 jobs during the construction phase and about 210 direct and indirect jobs once operations begin.

According to Vice President and Development, Industry, Trade and Services Minister Geraldo Alckmin, the new EPZ will enhance the competitiveness of Pará’s exports, particularly in mining-related activities. He said the initiative plays a strategic role by attracting investment, creating jobs and adding value to Brazil’s production base, while expanding exports.

Barcarena is located about 13 km from Belém by river and 113 km by road, and is part of the metropolitan region of the state capital, which has a population of roughly 2.54 million.

Implementation timeline

With the decree now in force, the Pará state government has 90 days to designate the EPZ’s operating company and must begin construction within 24 months. The administrator will be responsible for implementing and managing the free trade area.

Before operations can begin, the Barcarena EPZ will still need to undergo customs clearance by Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service, under the Ministry of Finance.

How EPZs work

Export Processing Zones are designed to promote Brazilian exports, encourage technological development and help reduce regional economic imbalances. Companies operating within EPZs benefit from differentiated tax, foreign exchange and administrative regimes intended to enhance international competitiveness.

Goods produced for export within an EPZ qualify for the suspension of federal taxes such as the industrial products tax (IPI), PIS and Cofins social contributions, import duties and the merchant marine freight surcharge (AFRMM) on machinery, equipment, installations, inputs and raw materials. These suspensions are converted into exemptions or zero rates once the final product is exported.

The National Council of Export Processing Zones is chaired by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services and includes representatives from Brazil’s presidential chief of staff’s office and the ministries of finance, regional development, environment and climate change, planning and budget, ports and airports, and transport.

Source: MDIC

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