Sales total US$ 23.9 billion in the 1st quarter, with growth driven by the energy sector
Brazil’s oil exports to China more than doubled in the 1st quarter of 2026, according to federal government data compiled by the (CEBC). Sales totaled US$7.2 billion, an increase of 94.6% compared to the same period in 2025, when they totaled US$3.7 billion. Read (PDF – 1.4 MB).
In volume, the advance was even greater: 16.5 million tons shipped, growth of 122% in the annual comparison. The product accounted for 30% of everything Brazil sold to the Chinese during the period.
China accounted for 57% of Brazilian oil exports in the quarter, with a peak of 65% in March. The move comes amid the reorganization of global energy routes following the war in Iran, which affected flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
With this, Brazil increased its relevance as a strategic supplier for the Asian country. India also increased purchases, which reached US$1 billion, an increase of 78%, amid a reduction in dependence on Russian oil.
In total, Brazil exported US$23.9 billion to China in the 1st quarter, growth of 21.7% and a historic record for the period.
DIFFERENT COMMODITIES
In addition to oil, other commodities supported the performance of Brazilian exports. Beef sales totaled US$1.8 billion, an increase of 33.8% in value. The increase is attributed to the anticipation of shipments to take advantage of quotas before the adoption of new trade safeguards by China.
In the mineral sector, ferroalloy exports reached US$478 million, with the volume practically doubling. Ferroniobium accounted for 63% of the total, followed by ferronickel, with 29%.
The extractive industry, as a whole, represented 49% of Brazilian exports in the quarter, reinforcing the weight of commodities in the trade agenda.
IMPORTS DECREASE
Brazil imported US$17.9 billion from China, a nominal drop of 6%. The decline is influenced by the purchase of a platform ship in 2025. Without this effect, there would be an increase of 9.3%.
Purchases of electrified vehicles totaled US$1.23 billion, a 7.5-fold increase, and already represent 6% of imports. Lithium batteries reached US$160 million (+49% in volume).
The advance comes before the tariff hike scheduled for July: plug-in hybrids (from 28% to 35%) and electric (from 25% to 35%).
