Sao Paulo agribusiness traded more than $900 million with India in 2025

India was the second-largest Asian destination for agribusiness exports from Sao Paulo state in 2025, behind only China, and ranked fourth overall among the state’s export markets. According to data compiled by the Agricultural Economics Institute, or IEA-APTA, of Sao Paulo’s Agriculture Secretariat, trade with India totaled about 2 million tonnes and generated $906.5 million in financial transactions.

The leading product category shipped to India, accounting for 76.8% of the total, was the sugar-energy complex, at $696 million. It was followed by soybean oil, at $89 million, and vegetable-based chemical industry products, at $33 million.

“The excellence of Sao Paulo agribusiness reflects the depth and complementarity of India-Brazil bilateral trade, which reached $15.21 billion in 2025, with agriculture as the foundation of that relationship and the main driver of future growth, while the state of Sao Paulo becomes a clear example of that potential,” India’s Consul General, Hansraj Singh Verma, said.

For Sao Paulo Agriculture and Supply Secretary Geraldo Melo Filho, agribusiness exports have consolidated themselves through diversity and, above all, excellence, supporting a strategic expansion of trade agreements. “We have been expanding our presence in the international market with quality and competitive products, strengthening partnerships and opening new business opportunities. India plays an important role in this context and shows the growth potential of Sao Paulo exports in Asia,” he said.

Sao Paulo cotton exports to India rise sharply

Among agricultural products exported to India, cotton stood out, with exports surging 160%, rising from 5,000 tonnes to 15,000 tonnes in just one year.

The chart below shows the leading products exported to India through the Port of Santos, the largest port in São Paulo state and in Brazil. The data was obtained and processed by Datamar’s business intelligence team.

Top Exports to India | Jan-Feb 2026 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Peter H. Burdzik, chief executive of VALIA Brazil, a company specializing in international commodity trade and consulting, said the state’s strength lies not only in production potential but also in its capacity to meet the requirements of foreign markets. “In recent years, Sao Paulo production has established itself as a reliable supplier to different markets. At the same time, this is a market that changes quickly, so prices and geopolitical issues end up directly influencing the pace of exports,” he said.

Marcella Wehrle, executive director of the Sao Paulo Cotton Producers Association, or APPA, said the technical expertise of the sector’s professionals is one of the product’s main differentiators. “The technical knowledge of Sao Paulo producers strengthens the competitiveness and sustainability of cotton farming. That combination positions Sao Paulo cotton as a benchmark for excellence in Brazil. These characteristics make Sao Paulo cotton highly competitive and valued by the textile industry,” she said.

Source: Sao Paulo Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply

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