Brazilian exports to U.S. rise for first time since Trump tariff hike

The value of Brazilian exports to the United States (U.S.) rose 3.7% in June 2026, marking the first increase since July 2025, when President Donald Trump’s administration imposed an additional 50% tariff on Brazilian products.

The data was released on Friday (3) by the Foreign Trade Secretariat, known as Secex, part of Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services.

According to Herlon Brandão, the ministry’s director of foreign trade statistics and studies, the increase was driven by an average 11% rise in export prices, as shipment volumes to the U.S. market still fell 6.6%.

United States

In June, trade between Brazil and the United States was nearly balanced, with Brazil posting a slight surplus.

Key figures for June:

• Exports: US$3.472 billion, up 3.7% from June 2025;
• Imports: US$3.471 billion, down 12.3%;
• Trade balance: US$1 million surplus.

Despite the June recovery, Brazilian exports to the United States were still down in the first half of the year.

From January to June:

• Exports: US$17.428 billion, down 13% from the first half of 2025;
• Imports: US$18.950 billion, down 12.5%;
• Trade balance: US$1.522 billion deficit.
  The chart below shows the main commodities exported to the United States by volume in the first five months of 2026. The data was collected and processed by Datamar.Top Exports to the United States | Jan-May 2026 | WTMT

  Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

China extends lead

China remained Brazil’s largest trading partner and sharply increased purchases of Brazilian products.

In June:

• Exports: US$12.291 billion, up 24.4%;
• Imports: US$7.801 billion, up 27.1%;
• Trade surplus: US$4.490 billion.

In the first half:

• Exports: US$58.322 billion, up 21.9%;
• Imports: US$38.545 billion, up 8%;
• Trade surplus: US$19.777 billion.

European Union

Trade with the European Union also expanded in June, although the Brazilian government said it is still too early to measure the effects of the Mercosur-EU free trade agreement, which entered into provisional force in May.

In June:

• Exports: US$4.888 billion, up 32.4%;
• Imports: US$4.708 billion, up 13.9%;
• Trade surplus: US$180 million.

In the first half:

• Exports: US$26.906 billion, up 12.8%;
• Imports: US$24.263 billion, down 0.4%;
• Trade surplus: US$2.643 billion.

Brandão said there are already reports of companies taking advantage of the agreement’s benefits, but not yet enough data to measure its impact on Brazil’s foreign trade.

Argentina loses momentum

Exports to Argentina fell in June, reflecting weaker demand from the neighboring market for Brazilian goods, according to the ministry.

In June:

• Exports: US$1.325 billion, down 18.1%;
• Imports: US$1.285 billion, up 17.2%;
• Trade surplus: US$40 million.

In the first half:

• Exports: US$7.352 billion, down 19.4%;
• Imports: US$6.401 billion, up 3.8%;
• Trade surplus: US$951 million.

Source: Agência Brasil

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