China expands its lead in Brazilian container exports as the U.S. loses ground
Data from different surveys show growth in Brazil's container handling and stronger trade flows with China, India, and other markets, in contrast with the decline in exports bound for the United States.
China gains ground in Brazilian flows
China widened its lead as a destination for Brazilian exports transported in containers during the first four months of 2026. Between January and April, shipments to the Asian country totaled 175,500 TEUs, up 19.8% from the same period in 2025, according to a DataLiner survey released by Transporte Moderno.
Over the same period, shipments bound for the United States fell 26.4%, from 140,200 to 103,200 TEUs. Mexico ranked third, with 53,000 TEUs and growth of 7.1%. India, Colombia, Japan, and Vietnam also ranked among the ten leading markets, with India standing out after recording growth of 39.9%.
The data indicate a redistribution of Brazil's containerized foreign-trade flows, with a larger share going to Asian destinations and emerging markets. This movement is taking place as exports of products such as coffee, cotton, meat, sugar, and pulp expand, along with the growth of cargo bound for international markets.
Total handling also increased
Another survey, conducted by the Infrastructure Observatory of the Brazilian Infrastructure Institute and released by CNN Brasil, indicates that container handling at Brazilian ports rose from 1.2 million TEUs in March to 1.3 million TEUs in April 2026. Over the 12 months ending in April, growth was 7.7%.
In imports, machinery and equipment grew 23.7% in 2025. In exports, green coffee and cotton reached historic records, while meat, sugar, and pulp expanded their presence in foreign markets.
The survey also links the growth to expanded trade relations with China, Argentina, and India. Cabotage, which has been on an expansion path for nearly a decade, was identified as another factor supporting the movement.
Pressure on logistics infrastructure
Higher volumes and the changing distribution of destinations are increasing pressure on port access and installed capacity. The need to expand infrastructure is especially relevant for the corridors serving trade with Asia and for the terminals responsible for container handling.
The expansion of these flows may influence decisions by carriers, port operators, and logistics companies, which need to adjust capacity, equipment, and services to the new trade routes. The surveys also point to the risk that existing bottlenecks could limit continued growth.