International market: how Brazil stands out in grain exports

THE international market grains has never been so competitive, but Brazil remains the protagonist.

With advanced technology, expanding logistics and one of the largest arable areas in the world, the country not only feeds its population, but also consolidates itself as the global breadbasket.

In recent years, factors such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts and increased demand for food have further increased Brazil's relevance.

While other nations face droughts, wars or production limitations, national agriculture advances, breaking records and winning new buyers.

But how did Brazil achieve this prominent position? What strategies ensure that our grains reach the four corners of the planet with quality and competitive prices?

And, most importantly: is this growth sustainable in the long term?

The Unquestionable Rise of Brazilian Agribusiness

Brazil is no longer just a player in the international market of grains – is an undisputed leader. In 2024, the country exported around 150 million tons of grains, according to data from Conab.

Soybeans, corn and cotton account for the largest share, with China absorbing more than 60% of sales.

This growth did not happen by chance. Since the Agricultural Revolution of the 1970s, when the Cerrado was transformed into productive land, the country has invested in research, genetic improvement and management techniques.

While competitors such as Argentina and the US face recurring droughts, Brazil is expanding its climate-resilient agricultural frontier.

A striking example is the state of Mato Grosso, the largest national producer of soybeans.

Even with variations in climate, the adoption of short-cycle cultivars and the use of strategic irrigation kept productivity above the global average.

Another crucial factor was the opening of new markets. While the US and the EU face trade barriers with China, Brazil has signed bilateral agreements, ensuring a steady flow of exports.

The recent Mercosur-EU agreement, still in the ratification phase, promises to further expand this access.

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Technology and Productivity: The Secret Behind the Records

Precision and innovation are the key words in Brazilian agriculture. While many countries still rely on traditional methods, our producers are already operating in the future.

Drones map crops, algorithms prevent pests and autonomous harvesting is already a reality on pioneering farms.

Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) plays a fundamental role in this scenario.

The development of tropical soybean seeds, for example, allowed Brazil to surpass the USA as the world's largest exporter.

Today, varieties such as BRS 738RR offer drought tolerance and higher yields per hectare.

An emblematic case is that of Brazilian cotton. Considered inferior a few decades ago, today it is one of the most valued in the world. international market, thanks to investments in long fiber and sustainability certifications.

The Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (Abrapa) recorded an increase of 23% in exports in 2024, with emphasis on Asian countries.

Digital agriculture is also advancing. Platforms such as AgroTools and Strider use machine learning to optimize pesticide application, reducing costs and environmental impact. Result? Brazil produces more, with less.

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Logistics: The Challenge that Became an Opportunity

If there is one area that still requires attention, it is infrastructure. Despite the advances, transporting grain from the interior of the country to the ports is still a challenge. But Brazil is turning obstacles into competitive advantages.

The North-South Railway, for example, reduced the cost of freighting grains from the Center-West to the Port of Santos by 30%.

Private terminals, such as those of the company Rumo Logistics, increased storage capacity and sped up ship loading.

In the North, the North Arc – a group of river ports such as Itacoatiara (AM) and Barcarena (PA) – shortened the distance to Asia.

A ship leaving Santos takes 35 days to reach Shanghai; if it leaves Barcarena, it arrives in 25. This difference means savings of millions in maritime freight.

And the investments don't stop. The project Ferrograo, still in the licensing phase, promises to connect Sinop (MT) to the Port of Miritituba (PA), transporting up to 42 million tons of grains per year.

When completed, it will be a milestone in national agricultural logistics.

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Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage

The world doesn’t just want grains – it wants sustainable grains. And Brazil has responded to this demand with concrete actions.

The ABC+ Plan (Low Carbon Agriculture) has already recovered more than 30 million hectares of degraded pastures, incorporating them into the production system.

Crop-Livestock-Forest Integration (ILPF) is another example. This model, which combines different activities in the same area, already covers more than 17 million hectares in the country.

Result: greater carbon sequestration, more fertile soil and high productivity.

Big traders like Cargill and Bunge, require certifications such as Soy Plus and RTRS (Round Table on Responsible Soy) to buy Brazilian grains.

This pressure for traceability meant that 90% of soybeans exported in 2024 were free from illegal deforestation.

Geopolitics and Growing Demand: Brazil at the Center of the Board

While the US and China wage a trade war, Brazil benefits.

China, the world's largest food importer, has diversified its purchases, reducing its dependence on the United States. In 2024, 75% of the soybeans consumed by the Chinese came from Brazil.

The war in Ukraine has also changed the game. With Russia and Ukraine – two of the world’s largest exporters of wheat and corn – in conflict, countries in the Middle East and Africa have sought alternatives.

Brazil took advantage of the opportunity, increasing corn sales to Egypt by 40%.

And what about the future? With the global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, the demand for food will only grow. Brazil, with its land, technology and production capacity, is ready to meet the demand.

Brazil is positioning itself very strongly

Conclusion: A Green, Productive and Brazilian Future

THE international market Grain production is a game of strategy, and Brazil is winning. With innovation, evolving logistics and sustainability, the country not only supplies the world, but also dictates the rules of global trade.

Challenges persist – infrastructure still lacking, pressure for greater traceability and climate fluctuations. But if there is one lesson that Brazilian agriculture has already demonstrated, it is the ability to reinvent itself.

The future will be green, productive and, above all, Brazilian.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main grain exported by Brazil?
Soybeans lead, followed by corn and cotton. Together, they account for more than 80% of agricultural exports.

2. How did Brazil become a leader in the international grain market?
Investment in technology, agricultural expansion in the cerrado and strategic trade agreements were decisive.

3. Is logistics still a problem for Brazilian agriculture?
Yes, but advances such as the North-South Railway and the Arco Norte are improving the flow.

4. Is agribusiness growth sustainable?
Yes, with programs like ABC+ and ILPF, Brazil reduces emissions while increasing production.

5. Who are the biggest buyers of Brazilian grains?
China, the European Union and Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt and Iran are the main destinations.