Brazilian agribusiness exports hit record US$16.6 billion in April

Brazilian agribusiness exports totaled US$16.65 billion in April 2026, a record for the month since data-keeping began in 1997. The figure represents growth of 11.7% from April 2025.

The result gave agribusiness a 48.8% share of Brazil’s total exports in the period. From January to April, agribusiness exports reached US$54.6 billion, also a record for the first four months of the year.

Compared with April last year, export volume rose 9.5%, while the average price increased 2.1%. Imports of agribusiness products totaled US$1.62 billion, down 3.6% in the same comparison, resulting in a US$15 billion surplus for the sector in the month.

The international environment, marked by growing appreciation for supply reliability, delivery capacity and sanitary security, has also favored Brazil’s position in global markets. Expanded international access for Brazilian products also contributed to the result. Since the start of the current administration, the country has surpassed 600 new market opportunities for agricultural products, strengthening the diversification of Brazil’s export basket.

Among the main destinations for Brazilian agribusiness exports, China remained in the lead, with purchases of US$6.6 billion in April and a share of nearly 40% of the sector’s export basket. The result represents growth of 21.8% from the same month in 2025. The European Union ranked second, with US$2.36 billion and a 14% share, up 8.7% from April 2025. The United States followed, with US$1 billion in exports and a 6% share, despite a 16.8% year-on-year decline.

Soybeans remained the leading product exported by Brazilian agribusiness. Foreign sales reached US$6.9 billion, up 18.8% from April 2025. Export volume totaled 16.7 million tonnes, up 9.7% from the same period last year and a record for April, amid a record soybean crop in the 2025/26 cycle estimated by Conab. In addition, an 8.4% increase in the average price helped lift export revenue.

Fresh beef also posted a historic performance, with exports of US$1.6 billion, up 29.4%, and shipments of 252,000 tonnes, up 4.3% year on year. Both value and volume were records for April. China remained the main destination for Brazilian beef, with US$877.4 million in purchases, equivalent to 55.8% of Brazil’s sales of the product in the period.

Here’s a monthly breakdown of beef exports bound for China, according to the latest intelligence from Datamar:

Beef Exports | China | Jan 2023 – Mar 2026 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Among the leading segments in agribusiness exports in April were the soybean complex, with US$8.1 billion and growth of 20.4%; animal proteins, with US$3 billion and growth of 18%; forest products, with US$1.4 billion and an 8.6% increase; and coffee, with US$1.2 billion, despite a 12.1% decline. Fibers and textile products also posted significant growth, as did cotton, which reached records in both export value and volume.

Pulp also posted a record performance, with US$854.7 million exported, up 16%, while soybean meal reached 2.4 million tonnes shipped, an increase of 12.7%.

Less traditional products also gained space in Brazil’s export basket. Highlights for the month included dried Piper pepper, pet food, orange essential oil, beef tallow, avocado and mango, all with record results in export value or volume.

Brazilian fruit exports also expanded in international trade, driven by the opening of new markets. Since 2023, 34 new export opportunities have been opened for Brazilian fruit. Between January and April 2026, products such as melons, lemons, limes, watermelons and papayas posted export records.

According to Luís Rua, secretary of Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the result reinforces Brazil’s position as a reliable partner in international trade.

“April’s result shows that, when the productive strength of agribusiness is combined with market openings, negotiation and international presence, the country turns potential into concrete access. After all, foreign trade is built this way: with method, continuity and presence,” he said.

For Agriculture and Livestock Minister André de Paula, the performance highlights the sector’s relevance to the Brazilian economy.

“April’s record confirms the size and responsibility of Brazilian agribusiness. This means income in the countryside, jobs in industry, opportunities for producers and a stronger Brazilian presence in international trade. This result comes from the work of producers, cooperatives, agroindustry, exporters and a federal government that works closely with the productive sector,” the minister said.

Source: Mapa

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