Brazilian exports of high-technology products grew 7.7% in 2025, but remain well below sales of low-tech goods, according to a survey released on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) by the (National Confederation of Industry).
High-technology products totaled US$9.1 billion last year and accounted for just 2.7% of the country’s total exports. Low technological intensity products reached US$130.7 billion, equivalent to 37.5% of Brazilian foreign sales.
The study, prepared based on data from the (Foundation Center for Foreign Trade Studies), points out that high-technology exports remain 15 times smaller than those of low technological intensity.
Challenge
In a statement, CNI’s International Trade and Integration manager, Constanza Negri, considers that the scenario represents a challenge for the competitiveness of Brazilian industry.
“Quality economic growth depends on advancement in medium-high and high technological intensity segments”, he highlighted.
According to Negri, expanding the participation of these sectors is essential to diversify the Brazilian export basket and strengthen the international presence of the national industry.
Deficit
The survey also shows that the increase in consumption in the country was mainly met by imported products.
The volume of imports grew 6.1% in 2025, while the manufacturing industry ended the year with a record trade deficit of US$71.3 billion, the largest in the historical series that began in 1997.
Imports from the manufacturing industry reached US$259.7 billion, an increase of 8.6% compared to the previous year.
According to the CNI, the chemical, electronic machinery and equipment and motor vehicle sectors accounted for more than half of the industry’s external purchases.
Exports
Despite the record trade deficit, Brazilian industrial exports grew 3.7% in 2025 and totaled US$188.4 billion.
The participation of the manufacturing industry in Brazilian exports rose from 53.9% to 54.1%. The advance occurred despite the 1.7% drop in international prices of manufactured goods.
Semi-durable and non-durable consumer goods had a record share of Brazilian exports in 2025. The category accounted for 22.8% of the export basket and was mainly driven by sales of processed foods and beverages.
Exports were prominent in the period.
According to the study, the food, motor vehicle and metallurgy sectors accounted for 58% of Brazilian industrial exports.
USA and China
The United States remained the main destination for Brazilian manufacturing exports, even with a 4.2% drop in sales. Exports to the American market totaled US$30.2 billion.
China increased its purchases of Brazilian industrial products by 19.4%, totaling US$22 billion in 2025. The food sector was mainly responsible for the growth in exports to the Asian country.
In imports, China maintained its leadership among suppliers of industrial goods to Brazil, with sales of US$70.6 billion.
Argentina
Brazilian exports to Argentina reached US$18.1 billion in 2025, an increase of 31.4% over the previous year.
The performance was driven by the automotive sector, which registered a 57.2% growth in sales to the Argentine market. Passenger vehicles, trucks and auto parts led exports to the neighboring country.
This text was originally by Agência Brasil on May 26, 2026. The content is free for republication, citing the source, and was adapted to the standard of Poder360.
