Brazil and the USA maintain a strong and diversified trade relationship, which reached a total goods exchange of $92 billion in 2024. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. exports to Brazil rose by 11.3% from 2023, totaling $49.7 billion. Imports from Brazil to the U.S. also grew, reaching $42.3 billion, an 8.3% increase compared to the previous year.
Trade Agreements between both countries
In 2011, the United States and Brazil entered into the Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ATEC), establishing the Commission on Economic and Trade Relations as the primary mechanism for handling bilateral trade and investment issues. Technical work and negotiations take place under this Commission, which last convened in 2016.
In 2020, Brazil and the United States expanded the ATEC by signing a Protocol Relating to Trade Rules and Transparency. This Protocol, featuring annexes on Trade Facilitation and Customs Administration, Good Regulatory Practices, and Anti-Corruption, officially entered into force in 2022. These agreements collectively help reduce trade barriers, harmonize standards, and streamline customs procedures, promoting smoother and more efficient trade flows.
What Do Brazil and the US Trade Most?
The primary commodities involved in this trade include copper, various metals, timber, agricultural products, pet food, honey, tile, and stone. Each of these commodities requires specialized import-export procedures and collaboration among multiple stakeholders to ensure smooth and efficient trade operations.
Copper and Metals
Brazil is rich in mineral resources and exports significant volumes of high-quality copper and various metals to the USA, meeting rigorous international industry standards. The export process begins with mining companies, who extract and initially process these minerals. They collaborate with specialized logistics providers, who manage the transport from mines to ports.
At ports, customs brokers handle the necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with export regulations. Upon arrival in the USA, importers work closely with customs officials to verify and inspect shipments before distribution to manufacturing and technology industries.
Timber
Brazilian timber, renowned for sustainable harvesting practices and premium quality, is exported to meet the increasing US demand for eco-friendly construction and furniture materials. Forestry companies, certified under sustainable management guidelines, harvest and prepare the timber. Export logistics companies facilitate transportation to Brazilian ports, coordinating with customs brokers to handle documentation and regulatory requirements, such as sustainability certifications.
On the US side, importers manage inspections by environmental and customs authorities before the timber reaches distributors and manufacturers.
Agricultural Products
Brazil is a leading global exporter of soybeans, coffee, and sugar, crucial to the US food industry. Brazilian farmers and cooperatives produce and prepare these agricultural commodities, supported by local agricultural associations that ensure compliance with international standards. Export involves logistics providers who handle storage, quality inspections, and transportation to ports. Customs agents ensure regulatory compliance and documentation. In the US, importers liaise with FDA and USDA officials, ensuring product safety and standards compliance before distribution to food manufacturers and retailers.
Pet Food
Brazilian pet food exports have grown significantly, driven by the US market’s demand for premium, nutritious products. Pet food manufacturers in Brazil produce specialized products under stringent quality controls, certified by Brazilian agricultural and food safety agencies. Export logistics companies handle product packaging, transport, and storage, collaborating with customs brokers who manage regulatory documentation. US importers coordinate with FDA and USDA authorities to meet health and safety standards before products reach retailers.
Honey
Brazilian honey, acclaimed for its purity and distinctive floral origins, appeals to US consumers’ growing health consciousness. Brazilian beekeepers and cooperatives harvest and package the honey, adhering to stringent quality and safety standards. Export logistics providers manage temperature-controlled shipping and packaging to maintain quality, while customs brokers ensure compliance with Brazilian and US food safety regulations. US importers work closely with FDA officials for product inspections and approvals prior to retail distribution.
Tile and Stone
Brazilian tile and stone, known for exceptional quality and aesthetic appeal, cater extensively to the US construction industry. Brazilian quarries and manufacturing facilities extract and prepare these materials, working with logistics companies specialized in handling fragile and heavyweight cargo.
Customs brokers oversee export documentation, meeting specific industry standards. Upon arrival in the US, importers manage customs clearances, collaborating with local regulatory bodies and trade associations to ensure product compliance before distribution to construction firms and architectural projects.
At GLC, our team of logistics experts excels in managing these multifaceted trade processes between Brazil and the USA. Thanks to our strong network of trusted partners in Brazil, we offer competitive rates and exceptional service quality. From initial export documentation to customs clearance and final distribution, GLC provides tailored solutions that simplify and streamline your international trade experience.
Trust GLC to navigate complexities, ensuring your imports and exports move smoothly, efficiently, and reliably. Contact GLC today and experience the benefits of partnering with dedicated international logistics professionals.