São Paulo began 2026 as the leader in Brazilian agribusiness exports. In January, the sector recorded a surplus of US$1.31 billion, resulting from US$1.84 billion in exports compared to US$530 million in imports. The state accounted for 17.1% of all national agricultural shipments, ahead of Mato Grossowith 16.7%, and Minas Geraiscom 11,5%.
Even with a smaller territorial area than other large producers, São Paulo’s agribusiness represented 40.9% of the state’s total exports in January, while the sector’s imports corresponded to 8% of the state’s total, reinforcing the strategic weight of the field in the trade balance.
The sugar and alcohol complex led the agenda, with 25.3% of exports and US$465.3 million, with sugar responsible for almost all of this value.
Next came forestry products, with 18.8% and US$346.9 million, driven mainly by cellulose; meat, with 16.6% and US$305.8 million, driven by beef; juices, with 8.9%, mostly orange; and coffee, with 7.2%, with a predominance of green coffee. Together, these five groups accounted for 76.8% of São Paulo’s agricultural exports.
The soy complex accounted for 2.7% of total exports, with growth expected from February onwards, as the harvest progresses.
Compared to January last year, there was an increase in exports of forest products, meat and soy complex, while the sugar and alcohol, coffee and juice segments recorded a drop, reflecting fluctuations in prices and volumes shipped.
A China continues as the main destination for agricultural exports from São Paulo, with a 21.9% share, followed by European Unionwith 18.1%, and by USAwith 8.1%. The data is prepared by the Institute of Agricultural Economics, linked to the São Paulo Department of Agriculture and Supply.
