DataLiner Data for November Reveals 4% Year-to-Date Growth in Brazilian Container Imports

Recently released data by Datamar’s Business Intelligence team reveals a 4.05% growth in container imports to Brazil during the first 11 months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The country received 2,476,683 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) from January to November 2023, up from 2,380,075 TEUs in 2022 (Jan-Nov). In November alone, Brazil imported 4.7% more containers than in November 2022.

Below is a historical overview of Brazilian container imports for the first 11 months of the year over the past five years, sourced from DataLiner:

Brazilian Container Imports | Jan-Nov | 2019 – 2023 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Plastics emerged as Brazil’s most imported product category from January to November, compared to the same months in 2022. Additionally, the import of reactors, boilers, and machinery increased by 14.9% in the same period.

China led as the top exporter to Brazil in the first 11 months of 2023, with a volume 15% higher than the same period in 2022. Imports from the United States also grew by 3%.

On the other hand, container exports experienced a 0.67% decline in volumes from January to November 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Despite the year’s decline, the last semester showed a more positive performance. For instance, Brazil exported 21% more in November than in the same month of 2022.

Here’s a comparison of Brazilian container exports (Jan-Nov) over the past five years, illustrated with DataLiner data:

Brazilian Container Exports | Jan-Nov | 2019 – 2023 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Beef emerged as the most exported commodity by Brazil in 2023, with a volume 4.6% higher than the first 11 months of 2022. Notably, sugar shipments via containers experienced an 87.2% growth in the same comparison.

China remained the primary buyer of Brazilian exported goods in the first 11 months of 2023, with a 10.2% growth in shipments compared to 2022. Shipments to India also stood out, growing by 73.7% in the same comparison.

Plate Region

Uruguay saw growth in both container imports and exports. Data from DataLiner indicates a 7.2% increase in the country’s imports from the Plate region in the year-to-date (January to November) compared to the same period in 2022. In November, imports increased by 10% compared to November 2022.

Regarding Uruguayan container exports, the country received 5% more cargo in the first 11 months of 2023 than in the same period of 2022. Considering only November, the growth in shipments was 23.6%.

In contrast, Argentina experienced declines in both imported and exported volumes. In 2023 (January to November), the country imported 10.55% less than in the same months of 2022. In November alone, the decline was 14.6%.

Argentinian exports fell by 6.5% in the cumulative 11 months of 2023 and 0.76% in November compared to 2022.

Uncertain prospects

According to the latest Focus Report released by the Central Bank on Tuesday, January 2, the projected inflation rate for Brazil in 2024 is 3.90%. The GDP growth estimate remains at 1.52%, and the interest rate is expected to stay at 9%. However, international trade has proven to be much more uncertain.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine since 2022 raises concerns for Europe, which is heavily reliant on Russian energy, and globally due to the export of Ukrainian grains. The Israel-Hamas war, which began in October, and alerts in the oil market add to the uncertainties.

Additionally, China is anticipated to undergo a period of industrial contraction and accelerated deflation. In South America, attention is focused on the new measures from Argentine President Javier Milei, which are expected to impact the region.

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