Portuguese 
Spanish 
Brazilian Foreign Trade In Focus
Brazil closed August 2025 with a trade surplus of US$ 6.133 billion, according to official data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC) published on September 5. The balance was 35.8% higher than that observed in August 2024, when the surplus was US$ 4.5 billion. Although positive, the result reflected both the rise in exports and the decline in external sales to the United States after the imposition of additional tariffs.
Exports And Imports In August
In the month, exports totaled US$ 29.861 billion, which represented a 3.9% increase compared to August 2024. On the other hand, imports amounted to US$ 23.728 billion, which constituted a 2.0% decrease in the same comparative period. This performance kept the balance in positive territory, despite recent changes in the international scenario.
- Exports In August: US$ 29.861 billion (+3.9%)
- Imports In August: US$ 23.728 billion (-2.0%)
- Positive Balance: US$ 6.133 billion (+35.8%)
Effects Of The US Tariff
However, the implementation of the tariff of 50% on Brazilian products, imposed by the United States on August 6, 2025, directly affected trade between the countries. Brazilian sales to the North American market experienced a significant decline of 18.5% compared to August 2024. Thus, the US share of total Brazilian exports fell to 9.3%, down from 11.8% in the same month of the previous year.
-
Not even the end of the ‘roller coaster’ described by the price of Brent crude oil (the main global benchmark) – which jumped from a price of $72 to $120, then dropped to $76 per barrel – due to the recent peace agreement between the US and Iran, was enough to relieve the Brazilian economy from inflationary pressures.
-
European Union looks again at Brazilian seafood after a nearly 8-year ban and may unlock a coveted market for lobster, tuna, tilapia, and shrimp.
-
Japanese retro sneakers become a sales phenomenon, help Asics achieve record profits, and gain their own operation to target Los Angeles, Milan, and Seoul.
-
Weg is the Brazilian company most exposed to Trump’s tariff hike. The multinational manufacturer of industrial motors and equipment, headquartered in Jaraguá do Sul (SC), is racing against time to reduce the impact of the new U.S. taxation.
This movement reinforces the immediate impact of the American decision, which was reflected in key sectors of national exports, reducing the space of the US in the destination of Brazilian products.
China Advancing As Main Destination
Conversely, Brazilian exports to China — also considering Hong Kong and Macau — grew by 29.9% in August 2025. Thus, the Chinese share advanced to 32.1% of total exports, up from 25.7% in August 2024. This leap confirms the strengthening of the Asian country as Brazil’s largest trading partner, partially compensating for the retraction in the North American market.
- Decline In Sales To The US: -18.5%
- Growth In Sales To China: +29.9%
- Chinese Share Of Exports: 32.1%
Year-to-Date And Outlook Until August
From January to August 2025, Brazil’s trade surplus reached US$ 42.812 billion, which represented a 20.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Exports totaled US$ 227.583 billion, registering a slight increase of 0.5%. Meanwhile, imports amounted to US$ 184.771 billion, an increase of 6.9% over the period.
These figures show that, despite fluctuations in external sales and the impact of the new US tariff, Brazilian foreign trade remains in surplus. However, the trend is toward greater dependence on the Asian market, especially China, which has been increasing its share year after year.
Be the first to react!