Brazilian Commodities Are Deepening Their Asian Connection

BRAZIL FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES

Asia is already fundamental to Brazilian exports. But new trade patterns suggest that Brazilian companies should increasingly look beyond the region’s largest and most obvious market.

Brazil’s commercial relationship with Asia continues to expand. In the first half of 2026, Brazilian exports to the region reached approximately US$85.6 billion, up 20.8% from the same period last year. Asia represented more than 46% of all Brazilian exports.

China remains at the center of this relationship. But the broader picture is becoming increasingly interesting.

Exports to ASEAN countries reached more than US$12 billion, while exports to Japan grew 13.4%. Within Brazilian agribusiness, India, the Philippines, Thailand and Japan were among the markets contributing to export growth in early 2026.

Beyond a single destination

Soy is a good example. Brazilian soybean complex exports grew 11.5% in value in the first quarter of 2026. China represented 54.7% of purchases, but Thailand, Indonesia and India were also significant destinations.

Brazil is also a major global supplier of sugar, animal proteins, coffee, corn and other agricultural products, creating different opportunities across Asian markets.

For Brazilian companies, this raises an important question:

Are we looking at Asia as one market — or understanding the different opportunities within it?

Japan, India and Southeast Asia have very different buyers, requirements, business cultures and distribution structures. Accessing these markets therefore requires more than having a competitive commodity.

It requires identifying the right buyers, understanding how each market operates and developing relationships that can be sustained over time.

China will remain fundamental to Brazilian trade. But the next chapter of the Brazil–Asia relationship may also be about diversification — more products, more destinations and more companies participating in these trade flows.

MT Brazil Insight

International Markets for Brazilian Companies