Machinery Trade Balance in the Red for Second Consecutive Year

The machinery sector in Brazil faces a challenging scenario, with the trade balance registering a deficit for the second consecutive year. “We have never faced such a strong attack from foreign companies in the machinery sector,” said Márcio de Lima Leite, president of Anfavea, during a press conference on Thursday (21).

Imports primarily come from China, which accounts for 55.7% of the total, followed by India, with 26.4%. This foreign advance in the Brazilian market is not new: over the past four years, the volume of imports has tripled, rising from 9,000 units in 2020 to 26,400 in 2024. In contrast, exports have grown much slower, increasing 1.6 times in the same period, from 12,800 to 20,600 units. As a result, the trade balance, which had a surplus of 3,800 units, shifted to a deficit of 5,800 units in 2024.

Impact of Chinese Competition

Even with the high dollar, which theoretically makes imports more expensive, the entry of foreign machinery into Brazil grew by 300%. “There are also suspicions that Chinese companies may be manipulating data, declaring local production while maintaining only offices in the country, which could mean China’s share is even higher than the officially recorded 55.7%,” warned Lima Leite.

Global competition also brings additional challenges. Anfavea data shows that in the Americas, China’s market share in the construction machinery segment doubled in one year, rising from 20.7% to 43%. Brazil’s presence grew modestly during the same period, from 4.1% to 5.5%. In the agricultural machinery sector, Chinese market share rose from 7.7% to 12.7%, while Brazil’s share increased from 3.5% to 4.6%.

Brazilian Exports and the Global Scenario

Last year, Brazil exported 20,500 units, including 6,000 agricultural machines and 14,500 construction machines. The United States was the primary destination, receiving 42% of the total, followed by Mexico (7.2%) and Paraguay (4.1%).

“For every 100 construction machines imported by the United States, 37.4% are Chinese, an impressive jump from 9% recorded in 2023. Meanwhile, Brazil’s share increased from 0.8% to 2.4% during the same period,” highlighted Lima Leite.

The inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States and his intention to raise tariffs on Chinese products could create opportunities for Brazil in the U.S. market. However, the oversupply of Chinese machinery in the global market threatens Brazilian competitiveness, particularly in Latin America, where the country seeks to solidify its presence.

Challenges and Outlook

While exports to the United States represent a positive development, competition with China remains a significant challenge. “On one hand, tariff barriers against China could benefit Brazil. Conversely, the oversupply of Chinese products in the global market undermines our industry and competitiveness in strategic markets,” concluded Lima Leite.

The current scenario underscores the need for strategies to strengthen the domestic sector in the face of growing foreign influence and the challenging dynamics of the international market.

Source: Auto Data

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