Brazilian Auto Exports Surge 86% in May, Driven by Argentine Demand

Brazil’s passenger vehicle exports soared by 86% in May 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC).
Total exports reached $570 million, up from $306 million in May 2024 — marking the strongest performance for May since 2017 in nominal terms.

The surge was primarily fueled by robust demand from Argentina, which is undergoing an economic recovery under the austerity measures of President Javier Milei. Brazilian vehicle exports to the neighboring country increased from $125.7 million to $384.1 million, a 205% rise.

Other key markets also contributed to the growth.

Colombia imported $82.1 million worth of Brazilian vehicles, up from $34.9 million in the previous year.

Chile saw a 220% increase, reaching $20 million in purchases.

On the downside, exports to Mexico — Brazil’s second-largest automotive trade partner — fell sharply by 57%, from $86.5 million in May 2024 to $36.6 million this year.

This decline was anticipated. Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s import tariffs, the Mexican auto industry, a major exporter to the U.S., has been running with higher idle capacity. Analysts predicted that cars previously bound for export would be redirected to the domestic market — a trend now confirmed.

According to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), Mexican vehicle exports fell 11% in April. While May figures are still pending, a further drop is expected.

Source: CNN Brasil

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