Rio Grande do Sul Exports Rise in Volume but Plunge in Value in 2024

The Rio Grande do Sul Agriculture Federation (Farsul) released the state’s 2024 export results on Wednesday (22). Over the year, the state exported 24.2 million tonnes, marking an 8.1% increase compared to 2023. However, despite the higher volume, the total export value reached $15.47 billion, representing a 2.1% decline from the previous year.

December Performance

In December 2024, Rio Grande do Sul’s agribusiness accounted for $1.4 billion in exports, making up 71% of the state’s total exports during the month. The volume shipped reached 2.1 million tonnes, equivalent to 91% of the state’s total exported volume.

Compared to December 2023, the export value rose by 15% (from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion), while the volume increased by a substantial 42% (from 1.5 million to 2.1 million tonnes). However, relative to November 2024, there was a 14% drop in export value and an 8% decline in volume.

Key Markets and Trade Partners

Rio Grande do Sul’s top export markets in 2024 were:

Asia (excluding the Middle East): $8.1 billion and 15.9 million tonnes;
Europe: $2.4 billion (including $2 billion to the European Union);
Middle East: $1.5 billion;
South America: $1.09 billion;
North America: $1.02 billion;
Africa: $786 million;
Central America and the Caribbean: $380 million;
Oceania: $44 million.

Among individual countries, China was the state’s leading trade partner, accounting for $5.5 billion, or 35.6% of the total export value. Other key partners included:

United States: $832 million (5.4%);
Belgium: $627 million (4.1%);
Vietnam: $613 million (4%);
Iran: $474 million (3%).

Product Highlights

Soybeans stood out as a key export, with a 12% increase in value and a 35% rise in volume. However, this growth reflects a recovery from the previous year’s drought-impacted harvest. The disparity between volume growth and value increase is attributed to lower international prices in 2024.

Conversely, animal protein exports faced significant challenges due to climatic and sanitary factors. The May floods disrupted key production regions, while chicken exports were hit by a self-imposed export suspension from July to September following Newcastle disease cases.

The chart below shows the top most exported cargo at the Port of Rio Grande over the first eleven months of 2025. The data comes from DataLiner.

Top Export Cargoes | Port of Rio Grande | 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Farsul’s economic report underscores the vital role of Rio Grande do Sul’s agribusiness on the global stage. Even in a challenging year, the state maintained its importance in key international markets.

Source: Radio Guaíba 

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