Brazil eyes increase in exporting companies after 2023 record figures

Brazil’s Secretariat of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (Secex/MDIC) announced future efforts to expand the pool of Brazilian companies selling abroad, promoting the export culture within Brazil.

Such a commitment was expressed on Friday (19/1) by the Secretary of Foreign Trade, Tatiana Prazeres, during an event on “E-commerce, small and medium-sized enterprises in Brazil,” promoted by Jota in Brasília (DF). She emphasized that the country reached a record in 2023, with 28.5 thousand exporting firms. However, she noted that this number represents only 1% of the total companies in the country and that there is still room for growth, taking advantage of public policies and trade incentives adopted by the federal government.

The government’s strategies are focused on the National Export Culture Policy (PNCE). Tatiana says, “There are many Brazilian companies with export potential and maturity that are not yet there.” Secex’s goal is to “create inclusive trade” to increase the export base, diversify, and add value, covering more regions of Brazil and more economic sectors in the process.

The main initiative to facilitate and streamline processes is the Integrated Foreign Trade System, with a tripod that includes the review of regulations, procedures, and technology systems. She mentioned measures taken in 2023, such as the Control of Cargo and Transit for Imports (CCT Import), which expedited the clearance of air cargoes, and the Flex License, allowing multiple operations from a single authorization – previously, each operation required specific clearance. Another delivery was the Brazil Export Platform, conceived by MDIC and operated by the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil).

Recognition abroad

The secretary emphasized that the perception of Brazilian products and services abroad is improving, thanks to the country’s environmental policy change. “It is a tremendous opportunity for the country, and we work toward realizing that,” she emphasized.

In this context, she encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises, representing 40% of Brazilian exporters, to take advantage of the benefits of e-commerce, noting that operating through the digital market shortens the path to the international market. “E-commerce allows smaller companies to be global from the start,” she said.

Costs and financing

Tatiana highlighted the importance of reducing interest rates in the economic agenda and mentioned measures such as tax reform and the spending cap. She also noted that the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has resumed supporting exports. Additionally, the government increased the revenue cap to R$ 1.3 billion for companies to access the Export Financing Program (Proex).

“The government is aware that foreign trade requires financing. Financing is essential to expand Brazil’s export base, but especially to scale so that companies that have already stepped outside can grow and remain abroad, ” the secretary emphasized.

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