Brazilian Exports to Canada Increase in the First Half; São Paulo and Minas Gerais Lead the Ranking

The Southeast ranked first with 43.3% of total exports, followed by the Northeast (35.9%) and North (13.6%)

By Marcel Salim

Brazil continues to gain traction and visibility when it comes to exporting products to Canada. Goods shipments totaled USD 2.734 billion (FOB) in the first half of this year, representing a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The data is from the Quick Trade Facts study, prepared by the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (CCBC).

The bilateral trade balance recorded a surplus for Brazil of USD 1.334 billion (FOB) between January and June 2024, a 70.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. In terms of imports, Brazil’s receipt of products amounted to USD 1.399 billion (FOB), a 21% drop compared to USD 1.782 billion in the same period in 2023.

During this period, the Southeast region led both exports and imports, accounting for 43.3% and 44.1%, respectively, of total bilateral trade. Following in exports were the Northeast (35.9%), North (13.6%), South (4.6%), and Center-West (1.9%). For imports, the regions ranked as follows: Center-West (22.5%), South (22.4%), Northeast (6.6%), and finally, North (4.4%).

Among Brazilian states, São Paulo leads exports (USD 587.1 million FOB), followed by Minas Gerais (USD 486.6 million FOB), Maranhão (USD 471.3 million FOB), Pará (USD 366.6 million FOB), and Bahia (USD 364.5 million FOB). In imports, São Paulo also leads (USD 306.5 million FOB), followed by Mato Grosso (USD 220.1 million FOB), Paraná (USD 138.1 million FOB), Rio de Janeiro (USD 107.9 million FOB), and Espírito Santo (USD 104.7 million FOB).

“We have observed a continuous and solid movement with Brazilian products increasingly conquering the Canadian market. The extensive agenda of meetings and initiatives to strengthen and expand business, combined with the opening of CCBC regional offices in various Brazilian states to assist entrepreneurs and companies, has strongly contributed to the process of expanding bilateral relations,” says Ronaldo Ramos, president of the CCBC.

Between January and June this year, Canada ranked 10th among the main destinations for Brazilian exports. Regarding imports, the North American country ranked 18th.

Export Highlights

The Southeast region, which led product shipments to Canada, primarily exported gold bullion for non-monetary use, sugars, and aircraft (including components). The Center-West region also predominantly exported frozen boneless beef.

Shipments of calcined alumina, aluminum ore, and copper ore were prominent in the North and Northeast regions. Meanwhile, from the South of Brazil, pork, chicken, and electric motors were the main exports.

Potassium Chloride

Among the main products imported from Canada by Brazil, potassium chloride—a widely used fertilizer in agriculture—was highlighted across all five Brazilian regions.

The purchase of turbojet and turboprop engines stood out in the Southeast, while in the South, the focus was on the purchase of machinery and equipment for harvesting. In the Northeast, the importation of wheat and rye mixtures was a predominant item.

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Access complete data and analysis in the CCBC study: Quick Trade Facts