Brazilian agriculture: the main exported products and their relevance in the international market

THE Brazilian agriculture not only feeds the country, but also supports production chains around the world.

In 2025, Brazil will remain one of the largest exporters of agricultural commodities, with a model that combines technology, scale and biodiversity.

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) show that the sector accounts for more than 48% of the country's total exports, a number that reflects its strategic importance.

But what makes the Brazilian agriculture so competitive? The answer lies in the ability to adapt, investment in research and logistics that, despite challenges, manages to ship production to more than 200 countries.

In this scenario, some products stand out not only for their volume, but for the influence they have on international markets.

Soy, meat, corn, coffee and cotton are the main products, but others are on the rise, such as fruits and dairy products. Diversification is one of the sector's great advantages, allowing Brazil to not depend on a single buyer.

However, maintaining this leadership requires overcoming obstacles such as sanitary barriers, global competition and environmental pressures. This text explores the main exported products, their target markets and the challenges that Brazilian agriculture faces to continue growing.

The Current Scenario and the Influence of Brazilian Agriculture

The strength of Brazilian agriculture goes beyond numbers. It shapes trade relations, influences international policies and ensures food security for millions of people.

In 2024, the country exported more than US$1.6 billion in agribusiness products, according to the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex). This performance puts Brazil ahead of traditional powers such as the United States and the European Union in certain segments, such as soybeans and beef.

A practical example of this influence is China’s dependence on Brazilian soybeans. With limited domestic supplies and a growing demand for animal feed, China purchased 72% of Brazil’s soybeans last year.

This trade relationship has a direct impact on global prices and even geopolitical disputes. If Brazil were to reduce its sales, the cost of animal protein would increase worldwide.

Furthermore, the Brazilian agriculture has adapted to climate change better than many competitors.

While droughts affect production in Argentina and the USA, Brazil is investing in cultivars that are tolerant to water shortages and in integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems (ILPF).

This resilience guarantees stability in times of crisis, attracting even more investors.

However, the sector faces criticism regarding sustainability. The expansion of arable land needs to reconcile productivity and preservation, a challenge that requires efficient public policies and the adoption of green technologies.

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The international image of Brazilian agriculture it depends on it.

Soy: The Green Gold of Brazilian Agriculture

Soy is, without a doubt, the most emblematic product of Brazilian agriculture. Responsible for almost half of the sector's exports, it moves production chains that range from the countryside to biodiesel and animal feed industries.

In 2024, Brazil harvested a record crop of 150 million tons, consolidating itself as the largest global producer, ahead of the USA.

One of the factors behind this success is the tropicalization of soybeans. Research by Embrapa has enabled the oilseed to be adapted to the Cerrado, a region previously considered unproductive for the grain.

Today, states such as Mato Grosso, Goiás and Bahia account for more than 60% of national production. The average Brazilian productivity reaches 3.5 tons per hectare, exceeding the global average of 2.8 tons.

But not everything is perfect. Brazilian soybeans face critical logistical challenges. Around 70% of the production is shipped through ports in the South and Southeast, generating high freight costs.

A truck carrying soybeans from Sorriso (MT) to the port of Santos (SP) travels more than 2,000 km, a journey that consumes up to 15% of the final value of the product. If Brazil invested in railways and waterways, as the US and Argentina do, it could significantly reduce these costs.

Another point of attention is sustainability. Europe, the second largest importer, requires zero deforestation certifications.

Large trading companies such as Cargill and Bunge have already committed to tracking 100% of their purchases by 2025. If Brazil fails to meet these requirements, it could lose ground to competitors such as Ukraine.

Meats: Brazil on the World's Plate

When it comes to animal protein, Brazilian agriculture dominates the market with competence. We are the largest exporter of beef and chicken, and the fourth in pork.

In 2024, foreign meat sales generated US$1.4T 25 billion, an increase of 81.3T compared to the previous year.

Chicken meat is a success story. Brazil supplies traditional markets such as Japan and Saudi Arabia, as well as new consumers such as the Philippines and South Africa.

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Competitiveness comes from production scale, animal health and affordable prices. One example is that Brazilian chicken is 20% cheaper than North American chicken, thanks to lower costs for corn (the main component of feed).

Beef, on the other hand, faces different challenges. Despite being the favorite of the US and China, it suffers from sanitary and tariff barriers.

China, for example, temporarily suspended imports from Brazilian meatpacking plants in 2023 due to atypical cases of BSE (mad cow disease). These interruptions cause millions in losses and show the fragility of dependence on a single market.

The solution? Diversification and added value. Companies like JBS and Marfrig are already investing in premium cuts and smart packaging to win over European and North American consumers.

If the Brazilian agriculture If you want to maintain your leadership, you will need to go beyond the commodity and enter the differentiated proteins market.

Corn: From Domestic Supply to the Global Market

Corn, previously seen as a supporting role, is now one of the pillars of Brazilian agriculture. In 2024, the country exported 50 million tons, becoming the second largest global seller, behind only the USA.

The growth is due to the second crop, planted after soybeans, which today represents more than 75% of national production.

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China is the driving force behind this expansion. In five years, Chinese imports of Brazilian corn have jumped from zero to 12 million tons.

The reason? Trade conflicts with the US and the need to secure stocks for its feed industry. Brazil has seized the opportunity, but it needs to be careful: if the Chinese diversify their suppliers (such as South Africa), prices could fall sharply.

Internally, corn is essential for the protein chain. Around 60% of production is consumed by poultry and pig farming.

This creates a delicate balance: if exports grow too much, domestic prices soar, making chicken and pork production more expensive. The government needs to calibrate buffer stock policies to avoid shortages.

Coffee and Sugar: Tradition and Innovation

Brazilian coffee has been synonymous with quality for centuries. In 2024, the country accounted for 35% of global exports, with a focus on specialty coffees, which fetch prices up to three times higher abroad.

Minas Gerais remains the largest producer, but Espírito Santo is making progress with conilon, used in blends and instant coffees.

Sugar, on the other hand, has its ups and downs. Brazil is the largest exporter, but competition with ethanol divides production.

In years of high oil prices, such as 2023, mills prefer to use sugarcane for biofuel, reducing the supply of sugar. This dynamic requires traders to adopt a strategy to avoid losing markets such as Indonesia and Nigeria.

Cotton: The Silent Growth

Brazilian cotton is one of the most impressive cases of Brazilian agricultureIn 20 years, the country went from being an importer to the second largest exporter in the world, behind only the USA.

The national fiber is recognized for its length and resistance, characteristics valued by the Asian textile industry.

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Conclusion: The Future of Brazilian Agriculture

THE Brazilian agriculture has all the ingredients to continue leading, but it needs to overcome challenges such as logistics, sustainability and market diversification. The world depends on Brazil, but Brazil needs to plan so as not to depend too much on a single buyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main export product of Brazilian agriculture?
Soybeans are the flagship, representing almost 40% of the total value exported by the sector.

Who are the biggest buyers of Brazilian meat?
China, the US and Saudi Arabia lead imports of beef and chicken.

Is Brazil self-sufficient in food?
Yes, in addition to supplying the domestic market, the country exports to more than 200 nations.

How does the climate affect Brazilian agriculture?
Droughts and frosts can reduce harvests, but investment in technology has minimized these risks.