Mineral fuels lead Brazilian exports in the first half of 2026
Brazilian exports totaled US$ 184.8 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by the advance of mineral fuels, which surpassed the soybean complex among the main groups in the export basket.
Exports advance in the first half
Brazilian exports of goods reached US$ 184.8 billion in the first half of 2026, up 11.5% from the same period of 2025. Imports totaled US$ 142.4 billion, a 5.1% increase, bringing the trade surplus to US$ 42.4 billion, up 40.3%.
Mineral fuels take the lead
Mineral fuels were the main group of products exported by Brazil during the period. Sales reached US$ 35.2 billion, approximately 28.1% above the result for the first half of 2025.
According to the study, the performance reflected the maintenance of high shipped volumes and the influence of international prices during part of the semester. Oil was identified as the main contributor to the growth of Brazilian exports.
The soybean complex ranked second, with US$ 29.6 billion in external sales and a 14.5% increase. Asian demand and the performance of the Brazilian harvest supported the result, even as international prices settled.
Exports of ores, slag, and ash reached US$ 18 billion, an 18% increase. Meat sales also advanced, rising 27.8%.
China remains a prominent destination
China remained the main destination for Brazilian exports, with US$ 58.3 billion in purchases during the semester, a 21.9% year-on-year increase. Iron ore, oil, soybeans, and meat were among the products cited as relevant to this trade relationship.
India increased its purchases from Brazil by more than 88%, driven by higher purchases of oil and derivatives. The European Union, Mexico, and Singapore also recorded growth in imports of Brazilian products.
In the opposite direction, exports to the United States fell 13%, to US$ 17.4 billion. Sales to Argentina dropped 19.4%, amid weaker demand for vehicles.
Trade surplus grows
The first-half result combined faster growth in exports than in imports and expanded Brazil's positive foreign-trade balance. The composition of the export basket remained concentrated in products linked to natural resources and agribusiness, although sales of machinery and mechanical equipment, aircraft and their parts, as well as electrical machinery and equipment, also increased.
Source
Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES). [Brazilian foreign trade in goods in the first half of 2026](https://blogdodesenvolvimento.bndes.gov.br/serie/estudos-especiais/O-comercio-exterior-brasileiro-de-bens-no-1-semestre-de-2026/).