Full-Year Data: 2024 Exports Up 12%, Imports Rise 20.5%

Recently released data from Datamar Business Intelligence reveals a strong year for Brazil’s containerized trade in 2024. Imports surged by 20.5%, while exports posted a solid 12% increase.

Imports

Brazil imported 3,312,834 TEUs in 2024, with China accounting for 48.1% of total inbound volumes. Shipments from China rose 30.7% year-over-year. The United States was Brazil’s second-largest import partner, with inbound cargo volumes growing by 18% compared to 2023. The top imported commodities included plastics (+24.8%), reactors, boilers, and machinery (+24.1%), and electrical equipment (+15.4%).

Brazilian Container Imports | Jan-Dec 2021 vs. Jan-Dec 2024 | TEUs

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Exports

China remained the top destination for Brazilian containerized exports in 2024, with volumes rising 2.7% compared to the previous year. The United States followed with a 7.5% increase, while shipments to Mexico saw a notable 18.8% jump. Leading export commodities included meats (+10.3%), wood (+12.7%), and cotton (+73.5%).

Brazilian Container Exports | Jan-Dec 2021 vs. Jan-Dec 2024 | TEUs

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Plate

Argentina recorded a 9.8% rise in container exports but saw a 14.8% drop in imports. Uruguay’s exports climbed 9.3%, while its import growth was more modest at 2.6%.

Below are charts with consolidated data from Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, generated using DataLiner:

Container Exports from the Plate | Jan-Dec 2021 vs. Jan-Dec 2024 | TEUs

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Container Imports from the Plate | Jan-Dec 2021 vs. Jan-Dec 2024 | TEUs

Outlook

Brazil is expected to maintain strong momentum in global trade this year. The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China could further boost Brazilian exports, allowing the country to capture market share left by both nations.

According to the World Bank’s Global Economic Outlook, released on January 16, Brazil’s economy is projected to grow by 2.2% in 2025. The report states: “Growth in Brazil is expected to slow to around 2.2% in both 2025 and 2026, reflecting tight monetary policies and limited fiscal stimulus.”

The World Bank also estimates that Brazil’s GDP, the total value of goods and services produced in the country, will close 2024 at 3.2%.

Uncover key insights into Brazil’s 2024 container throughput in our new video at:

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