Brazil reaches second highest export value for January

Brazilian agriculture began 2025 with the opening of 24 markets, maintaining the pace of expansion seen last year. Exports of agricultural products totaled US$ 11,0 billion in January, the second highest value in the historical series for the period. Strategic sectors showed notable growth in key products, with significant advances in market diversification. 

Even with the reduction in exports of soybeans, corn and the sugar-alcohol complex, the appreciation of some commodities exported by Brazil contributed to the month's results, with a 5,3% increase in the general price index. This increase reflects the rise in international prices of products such as coffee, cellulose, meat, orange juice and cocoa. In addition, six sectors surpassed the US$ 1 billion mark in exports in the month: meat (18,9% of the total), forestry products (13,8%), coffee (13,2%), soy complex (10,1%), sugar-alcohol complex (10,0%) and cereals, flours and preparations (9,1%). 

Brazil continues to expand its presence in strategic niches of the international market, with emphasis on revenue growth in the fiber and textile products (+45,1%), tobacco and its products (+44,3%) and juices (+31,9%) sectors. 

Positive highlights: all-time highs in key products 

Green Coffee: Exports reached US$ 1,3 billion (+79,4%), driven by the increase in international prices (+63,8%) and higher export volume (+9,5%). 

Cellulose: Exports grew 44,1%, surpassing the US$ 1 billion mark, with highlights for sales to China (+53,3%) and the European Union (+60,2%). 

Cotton: 47,5% increase in export value, reaching US$ 710,7 million, as a result of the record harvest and high demand from markets such as Pakistan and Vietnam. 

Pork: Exports grew 17,9%, reaching US$ 215,6 million, with a significant increase in sales to Japan (+107,4%) and the Philippines (+64,5%).  

New markets and opportunities for Brazilian agriculture 

The market diversification strategy conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply's Secretariat of Trade and International Relations, under the guidance of Minister Carlos Fávaro, with the support of the Secretariat of Agricultural Defense and partner entities and ministries, has yielded concrete results. Among the markets that stood out are Pakistan (+166,3%), Bangladesh (+85,1%) and Turkey (+122,7%). In the case of Bangladesh, home to one of the eleven new attaché posts, this strategy has been strengthening trade relations and expanding opportunities for Brazilian agriculture. In addition, there has been growth in already consolidated trade partners, such as the European Union, which recorded a 39,5% increase in purchases of Brazilian agricultural products, totaling US$ 1,89 billion. 

China, Brazil's main trading partner, maintained its relevance, with emphasis on the expansion of exports of cellulose (+53,3%) and tobacco (+36,7%).  

Next month, President Lula will visit Japan and Vietnam to strengthen trade relations, with the expectation of new opportunities for Brazilian agribusiness. Among the products with potential for expansion, Brazilian fruits stand out, recognized worldwide for their quality, health and sustainability. Recently, among the trade promotion actions of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) in conjunction with other entities, a delegation from the Ministry participated in the largest fruit fair in the world, in Berlin, where a strategic agenda of meetings was held with German authorities and representatives of the productive sector. 

Relevant data on Brazilian agriculture 

• Exports of unconventional products grew 13,8% compared to January 2024, demonstrating greater diversification of the export agenda. 
• Brazil exported more than 40 thousand tons of beef tallow, one of the main inputs used in the production of biodiesel in the United States. 
• Exports of orange essential oil grew by 19,5%, with the European Union overtaking the United States as the main importing market. 
• Brazilian sesame sales to India have increased by 250,6%, solidifying the country’s position as a major global supplier of this commodity. With the recent opening of the Chinese market, sesame exports are expected to grow in the coming months. 
• Last year, Brazil exported more than US$1,3 billion in fruit to more than 137 countries. 

According to the Secretary of Commerce and International Relations, Luís Rua, the new tools launched by MAPA, such as AgroInsights and the Agro Passport, have contributed to the expansion of Brazilian exports. “Our goal is to continue qualifying the insertion of Brazilian products in the international market, both in the diversification of destinations and in the expansion of the supply of products, generating more income and employment in the interior of the country,” he said.