São Paulo – Brazilian exports to the Middle East fell 3.5% in April compared to the same period in 2025, totaling USD 1.049 billion, according to data released on Thursday afternoon (7) by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services. Exports to Africa rose 34.9%, reaching USD 1.173 billion in the same comparison.
Brazil’s imports from Middle Eastern countries rose in April, increasing 4.9% to USD 501 million. Imports of African products fell 25.7% to USD 594 million. Brazil maintained a trade surplus with both the Middle East and Africa.
Middle Eastern countries have been targeted in attacks linked to the conflict involving the United States and Israel and Iran. In addition, the Strait of Hormuz, the main maritime route for goods entering and leaving the region, has faced disruptions since February 28, affecting exports and imports, as well as shipping costs and oil prices—the main product exported by Gulf countries to Brazil.
Overall, both Brazil’s exports and imports grew in April: exports totaled USD 34.1 billion, up 14.3% from USD 29.9 billion in April last year. Imports reached USD 23.6 billion, up 6.2%. The trade balance posted a surplus of USD 10.5 billion in April, an increase of 37.5%, all compared to April.
Brazil’s main exporting sectors were manufacturing, agriculture, and extractive industries. The main imports were intermediate goods (industrial inputs), consumer goods, capital goods (machinery and equipment), and fuels.
Year to date, Brazilian exports total USD 116.6 billion and imports USD 91.8 billion, with a trade surplus of USD 24.8 billion, up 43.5% compared to the first four months of 2024. Despite the conflict, exports to the Middle East have risen 2.3% this year, reaching USD 4.8 billion. Exports to Africa have grown 8.8%, also totaling USD 4.8 billion. Imports from the Middle East increased 11.6% through April, to USD 2.2 billion, while imports from Africa fell 10.1%, to USD 2.5 billion.
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Translated by Guilherme Miranda
