Brazil’s grain exports stay high as country holds global lead

Brazil remains firmly positioned as the world leader in grain exports, led by soybeans and corn, surpassing 100 million tonnes exported through October 2025. According to the bulletin from the National Association of Cereal Exporters (ANEC), the country remains a strategic supplier for markets such as China and other key international destinations.

Soybeans maintain a central role in exports
Planting for the 2025/26 soybean crop is advancing positively, despite climate irregularities in some regions of the Center-West and southern Mato Grosso do Sul. By the end of October, 47.1% of the estimated area had been planted, slightly below the five-year historical average (54.7%).

The states of Mato Grosso (80.1%) and Paraná (71%) lead national planting, supported by favorable weather conditions and ample seed availability.

Meanwhile, the 2024/25 crop continues to be shipped at a record pace, with exports already reaching 101.5 million tonnes through October. For December, ANEC projects exports of 2.8 million tonnes, with potential for more depending on logistics fluidity at the ports.

Below is a historical overview of Brazilian soybean exports starting from 2022. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Brazilian Soybean Exports | Jan 2022 to Oct 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

China remains the main destination, importing 6 million tonnes in October alone, accounting for 94% of total shipments for the month. Year-to-date, the Asian country absorbed 79.9% of Brazilian exports, reinforcing the strategic importance of the Chinese market for Brazilian soybeans.

Corn grows on strong domestic demand and favorable planting conditions
Planting for the first 2025/26 corn crop reached 42.8% of the area planted by October, exceeding the historical average. CONAB projects total production of 138.8 million tonnes across the three crop cycles, with the first crop estimated at 25.9 million tonnes, an increase of 7.1% compared to the previous year.

Domestic consumption is expected to rise from 90.6 million tonnes in 2025 to 94.6 million in 2026, driven by the expansion of corn ethanol production, which may demand up to 28 million tonnes. States such as Mato Grosso and Goiás are leading this growth, consolidating corn as a strategic input for the biofuels sector.

In the foreign market, Brazil exported 29.6 million tonnes through October, with daily shipments above 2024 levels. ANEC revised its November projection upward, estimating 6.04 million tonnes, an increase of 22.7% compared to the same period last year. The annual total is expected to close between 40 and 41 million tonnes, with standout performance from the ports of Santos and Rio Grande operating at an accelerated pace.

Sorghum opens new opportunities in the international market
Production of grain sorghum for 2025/26 is projected at 6.6 million tonnes, cultivated on 1.8 million hectares, particularly in Goiás, Minas Gerais and São Paulo. The crop, which is drought-resistant and adaptable to low-fertility soils, has all of its volume absorbed by the domestic market, mainly for animal feed and ethanol production.

Exports of DDGS (corn meal) reached a record 714,900 tonnes through October, and the opening of the Chinese market for sorghum and corn meals is expected to expand opportunities for 2026/27. As a result, Brazil may increase its production and planted area by 20% to 30%, moving into the second position globally, behind only the United States.

Outlook for 2026
With strong exports, rising domestic consumption and the expansion of the biofuels sector, Brazil solidifies itself as one of the leading global hubs for grain production and exports.

Projections for 2026 indicate continued growth, driven by advances in agricultural technologies, greater logistics efficiency and market diversification, keeping the country as a strategic supplier for international demand.

Source: Portal do Agronegócio

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