Brazilian agribusiness exports decline but post the third-best January on record

Brazilian exports of agricultural products totaled US$ 10.8 billion in January, according to a technical note released by the Ministry of Agriculture. The figure represents a 2.2% year-on-year decline, equivalent to US$ 244 million less.

Despite the annual drop, the result was the third-highest on record for January. Agribusiness accounted for 42.8% of Brazil’s total exports during the period.

According to Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro, the sector’s performance reflects advances in animal health standards and trade negotiations. Highlights include Brazil’s recognition as free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination and the removal of additional U.S. tariffs on products such as fresh beef.

According to the ministry, these factors expand market access and help sustain agribusiness performance even amid lower international prices.

Imports fall, but agribusiness surplus remains

Brazilian imports of agricultural products totaled US$ 1.63 billion in January, down 11.2% compared with 2025. The main imported items were paper, wheat, salmon, fibers, and textile products.

The decline was driven mainly by lower purchases of cocoa, wheat, and malt. At the same time, Brazil imported US$ 940 million in fertilizers and US$ 301.3 million in crop protection products.

Check below the main origins of fertilizers imported by Brazil in 2025. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Main Origins of Fertilizers | 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

As a result, the agribusiness trade surplus stood at US$ 9.12 billion, slightly below the level recorded a year earlier.

Prices fall, but export volumes rise

According to the ministry, performance was affected by an 8.6% drop in average international prices, partially offset by a 7% increase in export volumes.

The ministry noted that global indicators confirm the downward price trend. The Food Price Index of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations fell 0.4% in January compared with December and 0.6% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the World Bank’s index declined 3.1% over the past 12 months.

These indices measure average changes in international food prices and help explain the reduction in export values despite higher shipment volumes.

Meat exports lead and set a record

Animal protein exports posted record levels during the month. Fresh beef was the leading product, with US$ 1.3 billion in external sales.

The six main agribusiness export sectors in January were:

* Meat: US$ 2.58 billion
* Soy complex: US$ 1.66 billion
* Forest products: US$ 1.38 billion
* Cereals, flours, and preparations: US$ 1.12 billion
* Coffee: US$ 1.10 billion
* Sugar and ethanol complex: US$ 750 million

Together, these segments accounted for 79.8% of total exports, totaling US$ 8.6 billion.

China remains the leading destination

China remained the main destination for Brazilian agribusiness exports, with US$ 2.16 billion in purchases, equivalent to 20% of total exports for the month and a 5.4% year-on-year increase.

The European Union followed with US$ 1.69 billion (down 11%), while the United States ranked third with US$ 705.5 million (down 31%).

The ministry highlighted export growth to countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the Philippines, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Chile.

Expansion in Southeast Asia

Exports to countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) rose 5.7% in January, indicating a stronger presence of Brazilian agribusiness in markets such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.

According to the ministry, diversifying export destinations helps reduce dependence on a limited number of markets and commodities.

Souce: Monitor do Mercado

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