In 2024, global exports maintained a pattern of diversification that reflects the current economic, technological, and social transformations worldwide. The dynamics of international trade continue to be shaped by factors such as increasing digitalization, the demand for energy sources, rising global mobility, and the need for food and commodities.
Among the most exported products are advanced technologies, such as semiconductors and mobile devices, essential natural resources like oil and gas, as well as food and agricultural products crucial for sustaining global nutrition.
The automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology also continue to play key roles in exports, driven by sector innovations and post-pandemic recovery. Thus, the most exported products in 2024 not only reflect the needs and technological advancements but also illustrate a global trade that is increasingly interconnected and dynamic.
Here is the ranking of the top 5 exported products from Brazil:
1. Crude Petroleum Oils or Bituminous Mineral Oils Crude petroleum oils or bituminous mineral oils are key products in Brazilian exports, and Brazil is one of the leading producers and exporters of oil in the world. This type of oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons extracted directly from the ground before undergoing refining processes. In Brazil, crude oil is primarily obtained through offshore platforms, located in pre-salt fields, an area with great potential that has proven to be one of the largest oil producers in the country.
Product Characteristics Crude petroleum oils or bituminous mineral oils, such as oil extracted from the pre-salt, have distinct characteristics, being of high quality and great value in the international market. The type of oil extracted by Brazil is predominantly light crude oil, which is considered higher quality because it contains lower sulfur content, making the refining process easier and increasing its value in the global market.
Main Export Destinations Brazil exports large quantities of crude oil to several countries worldwide, with notable markets in Asia, Europe, and the United States. In 2024, the main destinations for Brazilian crude oil exports are:
- China: China is the largest importer of oil from Brazil, consuming a significant portion of the Brazilian production. As one of the largest global energy consumers, China has a high demand for oil.
- United States: Despite being a major oil producer, the U.S. remains one of the largest buyers of crude oil from countries like Brazil, primarily due to high domestic demand and the production of derivatives.
- European Countries: Brazil also exports large volumes to countries like the Netherlands and Italy, which have robust industrial refineries.
Uses of the Product The crude oil extracted by Brazil is mainly used for refining, aiming to produce a variety of derived products, such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, fuel oil, and plastics, among others. Oil is also an essential raw material for the production of lubricants and fertilizers, and refining in specialized refineries allows the transformation of crude oil into products that supply markets for transportation, energy, industry, and final consumption across the globe.
The export of crude petroleum oils is one of the main sources of revenue for Brazil, reflecting the strategic importance of the oil and gas sector to the national economy. The exploration of pre-salt resources, along with investments in technology and infrastructure, has significantly contributed to the growth of exports and strengthened Brazil as one of the largest crude oil exporters in the world.
Soybeans
Soybeans are one of Brazil’s most exported products and play a crucial role in the country’s economy. In 2024, Brazil maintained its position as one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of soybeans, with a production largely aimed at export. Brazilian soybeans are used in a wide range of products, essential not only for human consumption but also for animal feed, vegetable oils, and various by-products.
Product Characteristics
Soybeans are legumes with numerous uses, widely cultivated due to their high productivity and versatility. In Brazil, the main producing regions are the Midwest, South, and North, with states like Mato Grosso, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul standing out. Brazilian soybeans are known for their quality and are predominantly genetically modified, ensuring high resistance to pests and diseases, as well as good yields in the fields.
Soybeans are rich in protein, oil, and essential fatty acids, making them indispensable for both human and animal nutrition. Soybean oil is used in cooking oils, margarines, and other food products. Soybean meal, which results from the oil extraction process, is widely used as animal feed, particularly for cattle and poultry.
Export Destinations
Brazil exports soybeans to a wide range of markets around the world. The main destinations for Brazilian soybean exports include:
- China: China is by far the largest importer of Brazilian soybeans. The Asian country has a large demand for soybeans, primarily used in animal feed for its growing meat and poultry industry.
- European Union: Europe is also an important market for Brazilian soybeans, both for direct consumption and for the production of soybean oil and meal.
- Mexico: Mexico is another relevant market for Brazilian soybeans, being a significant importer for animal feed production and food products.
- Japan and other Asian markets: In addition to China, other Asian countries also import Brazilian soybeans, mainly to feed the meat industry and as an ingredient for processed foods.
Uses of Soybeans
Soybeans have a wide range of uses:
- Human consumption: Soybeans are widely used to produce food products such as tofu, soy milk, soybean oil, and plant-based proteins. Additionally, soybean meal is a common ingredient in many processed food products.
- Animal feed: Most of the soybeans exported by Brazil are destined for animal feed production, particularly for the cattle, pig, and poultry industries, both in Brazil and in importing countries like China.
- Soybean oil: Soybean oil is widely used in the food industry to produce vegetable oils, margarines, and other products. It is also used in biodiesel production.
- Biofuels: Soybean oil is also used in the production of biodiesel, serving as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels.
Brazilian soybeans are, therefore, a product of immense relevance, both for the national economy and the international market. Their production and export help solidify Brazil’s position as a global leader in supplying one of the world’s most strategic foods. Furthermore, soybean cultivation is closely linked to the advancement of Brazil’s agribusiness, reflecting the country’s capacity to meet the growing global demand for food and commodities.
Iron Ore and Its Concentrates
Iron ore and its concentrates are among the most important products exported by Brazil, reflecting the significant role of the mining industry in the country. Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of iron ore, with production primarily destined for international markets. Iron ore is used in steel manufacturing, an essential material in various industries, such as construction, automotive, infrastructure, and shipbuilding.
Iron Ore and Its Concentrates
Product Characteristics
Iron ore is a natural resource extracted from mines and is primarily found in the form of iron oxides, such as hematite and magnetite. After extraction, the ore is processed to remove impurities and concentrate the iron, forming what are known as iron concentrates, which have a higher iron content, making them more effective for subsequent industrial processes.
Brazil is known for producing high-quality iron ore, particularly in the regions of Minas Gerais and Pará, where the main mines are located. The iron ore concentrate typically contains around 60-70% iron, making it an excellent raw material for steel production.
Export Destinations
Brazil exports iron ore to various markets around the world, with the following countries standing out:
- China: China is by far the largest importer of Brazilian iron ore. The Asian country has a massive demand for iron to fuel its gigantic steel industry, which is one of the largest in the world.
- European Union: European countries are also important importers of iron ore, especially for feeding their steel industries.
- Japan: Japan is another major importer, with a highly dependent steel industry that supports its automotive and construction sectors.
- South Korea: Similar to Japan, South Korea is a large consumer of iron ore, primarily for its steel industry, which is crucial for its economy.
- Other countries in Asia and North America: In addition to the major consumers, other countries in Asia, North America, and some African nations also import iron ore from Brazil.
Uses of the Product
Iron ore is primarily used in the production of steel, which, in turn, is the foundation for various industries and products, such as:
- Construction: Steel produced from iron ore is widely used in infrastructure projects like bridges, buildings, and highways.
- Automotive industry: Steel is used in vehicle manufacturing, both for cars and heavy-duty vehicles like trucks.
- Home appliances and machinery: Steel is also vital in manufacturing home appliances, industrial machines, and heavy equipment.
- Shipbuilding and railways: Iron-derived steel is used in ships, oil platforms, trains, and other modes of transportation.
Furthermore, iron ore and its concentrates play a strategic role in the global economy, as steel is essential for the manufacturing of a wide range of products, from consumer goods to critical infrastructure, which is vital for the development of countries around the world.
Brazil, therefore, remains a global powerhouse in iron ore supply, which has been crucial for its economy, particularly in the mining and export sectors. The demand for this resource continues to grow, driven by the expansion of construction and manufacturing industries in countries like China and India, consolidating Brazil as a strategic supplier of raw material for the global steel industry.
Sugars and Molasses
Sugars and molasses are important agricultural products in Brazil’s economy, with the country being one of the largest producers and exporters of these commodities in the world. Brazil has a significant sugar production industry, primarily derived from sugarcane, and molasses, a by-product of the sugar production process, also plays a relevant role. These products have a wide range of applications, from food to the biofuel industry.
Product Characteristics
Brazilian sugar is largely produced from sugarcane, which is cultivated in various regions of Brazil, especially in the Northeast, Central-South, and Southeast, with notable states such as São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Paraná. Sugar can be found in crystalline, refined, and brown forms, depending on the production process.
Molasses, on the other hand, is a by-product resulting from the extraction of sugar from sugarcane. It has a high content of residual sugars and is used in several industries, such as animal feed production, biofuels (mainly ethanol), and even in industrial processes like alcoholic beverage production.
Export Destinations
Brazil is one of the world’s largest exporters of sugar and molasses, with its products being shipped to numerous markets around the globe. The main destinations for Brazilian sugar and molasses exports include:
- India: India is one of the largest consumers of sugar in the world, and Brazil is a key supplier for the Indian market.
- China: Another major importer of Brazilian sugar, due to significant domestic demand.
- Middle Eastern Countries: Many countries in this region, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are regular importers of Brazilian sugar for both domestic consumption and industry.
- European Union: Europe remains an important market for Brazilian sugar, even though the EU has its own sugar production, still importing large quantities.
- United States: The U.S. is a significant market for Brazilian sugar, despite also producing a notable amount of domestic sugar.
- Africa: African countries like Angola and Mozambique are relevant destinations, where Brazilian sugar supplies both the domestic market and the food industry.
Uses of the Products
Sugar and molasses have a broad range of applications:
- Sugar:
- Food industry: Sugar is widely used in food manufacturing, as a base ingredient in products such as candies, sodas, juices, cakes, and other processed items.
- Beverage industry: Sugar is also used in the production of alcoholic beverages like rum and cachaça.
- Domestic use: Sugar is widely used in households for sweetening food and drinks.
- Molasses:
- Animal feed: Molasses is an important ingredient in animal feed, especially for livestock, in countries with large meat production industries.
- Ethanol production: Molasses is also a raw material for ethanol production, especially in Brazil, which has an advanced biofuel sector. Ethanol derived from sugarcane is primarily used as a fuel and fuel additive.
- Food industry: Molasses is used in making syrups, sauces, and other food products, and it’s an essential ingredient in some baking and confectionery recipes.
- Alcohol and beverages: Molasses is used in the production of alcoholic drinks, such as rum and other spirits.
Economic Importance
The production of sugar and molasses plays a vital role in Brazil’s economy, as it not only serves the domestic market but also solidifies Brazil’s position as a major global player. The sugar and alcohol sector is also closely tied to the biofuels market, which is one of the pillars of Brazil’s renewable energy matrix, particularly in relation to ethanol production.
With its strategic position in the global market, Brazil has contributed to the supply of high-quality sugar and molasses, meeting growing demand in different parts of the world, while also continuing to expand its production of ethanol and renewable energy derived from sugarcane.
Petroleum Fuel Oils or Bituminous Mineral Oils
Petroleum fuel oils or bituminous mineral oils are petroleum-derived products that play an important role in the global energy matrix, being primarily used for power generation, transportation, and various industries. Brazil, as one of the largest oil producers in the world, also stands out in the production and export of these oils, which are obtained through the refining of crude oil. These oils are composed of a mixture of heavy hydrocarbons and are mainly used as fuels in industrial processes and power plants.
Product Characteristics
Petroleum fuel oils (also known as fuel oils or heavy oils) are derived from crude oil during the refining process. They have higher density and greater viscosity compared to lighter fuels such as gasoline and diesel. These oils are primarily used for:
- Energy generation: In thermoelectric power plants, fuel oils are burned to generate electricity.
- Industry: Used as fuels for industrial furnaces, boilers, and in heating processes in various factories.
- Transportation: Though to a lesser extent than other fuels, some types of fuel oils are used in ships and large cargo vehicles.
Petroleum fuel oils or bituminous mineral oils generally contain heavier compounds, such as asphalts and other refinery residues, making them less refined but still suitable for industrial and energy use.
Export Destinations
Brazil exports a significant amount of petroleum fuel oils to different markets around the world. The main destinations for these exports include:
- United States: The U.S. is a major importer of petroleum fuel oils due to its large industrial infrastructure and energy needs for its power plants and factories.
- Latin American Countries: Brazil exports to various Latin American nations, such as Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, which use the oils for energy generation and industrial processes.
- Asia: Countries like China, India, and Japan are key importers of fuel oils, mainly to supply their large industries and power plants.
- Europe: Countries such as Germany, the UK, and France also purchase petroleum fuel oils from Brazil, used both for electricity generation and industrial applications.
Uses of Petroleum Fuel Oils
Petroleum fuel oils or bituminous mineral oils have a variety of applications:
- Electricity generation: Many thermoelectric power plants around the world burn fuel oils as an energy source. This use is common in countries that still rely on non-renewable energy sources for electricity production.
- Industry: Fuel oils are widely used in industrial furnaces and boilers for heating processes, such as in cement, paper and pulp, and metallurgy industries. These oils are necessary for high-temperature processes like smelting and heating raw materials.
- Maritime transport: Large vessels, such as oil tankers and cargo ships, use fuel oils due to their efficiency on long journeys and their lower cost compared to other fuels.
- Industrial heating: Some industries, such as petrochemical and metal refining, use heavy fuel oils to provide heat in large facilities.
Economic Importance
The production and export of petroleum fuel oils represent a significant portion of Brazil’s petroleum and derivatives exports. This segment is highly relevant to the country due to its role in both foreign exchange generation and energy stability. While the use of fossil fuels is progressively being replaced by renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, petroleum fuel oils are still widely used in various industries around the world.
As one of the world’s major oil producers and exporters, Brazil’s economy is closely linked to the energy sector, and the export of these fuel oils helps strengthen its position in the global energy market. Additionally, with the growing energy demand in emerging markets and the continued use of fossil fuels in certain sectors, petroleum fuel oils continue to play a significant role in global energy geopolitics.