New data from Datamar's Business Intelligence team reveals that Brazil's container imports reached 300,504 TEUs in January, showing an 18.7% rise from the previous year. This marks the highest import volume in a decade.
China remains Brazil's leading source of containerized imports, with shipments increasing by 25.2% compared to January 2024. Imports from the United States, Brazil's second-largest trade partner, decreased by 6.5% year over year. Notable increases were seen in imports from India (62.6%) and Italy (42.3%).
Brazil's most-imported product category in January 2024 was reactors, boilers, and machinery, which rose by 40.1% from the previous year. Electrical equipment imports increased by 35%, while plastics saw a 4.6% rise.
Brazilian containerized exports also showed strong performance in January, with a 6.1% rise, marking the highest January figure in a decade. China remains the top destination for Brazilian exports, although shipments to China fell by 19.4% compared to the previous year. Exports to the United States remained stable, with a 1.1% increase. Shipments to Mexico decreased by 16.1%, while exports to Vietnam surged by 59.6% year over year.
Meat was Brazil's top export category in January 2025, increasing by 9.6% from the previous year, followed by cotton (41.5%), and coffee, tea, mate, and spices (11.5%). Wood exports decreased by 10.3%.
In the Plate region, Argentina recorded a 3.6% increase in containerized exports in January 2025, while imports surged by 47.7%. Paraguay experienced an 18.5% decline in exports and a 45% drop in imports. Uruguay saw exports fall by 4.6% and imports decrease by 5% year over year.
According to a Bradesco report, the impact of rising global economic uncertainty on Brazil remains difficult to quantify. "A potential increase in reciprocal tariffs may slightly reduce our exports, though it is unlikely to significantly affect the country's external fundamentals. So far, the impact on asset prices, particularly exchange rates, has been limited," the document states.
The report further notes the fluidity of the situation, with multiple shifts in recent days, including tariff announcements and geopolitical strategies. However, Brazil is not among the primary targets of the new U.S. administration's trade policies.
In 2025, Brazil's maritime transport sector is anticipated to adjust to new environmental regulations, innovative technologies, and global economic challenges. Investments in port infrastructure and modernization of Brazilian terminals will play a role in the sector's growth.
Source: Datamar News