Brazilian agribusiness posted record exports of $38 billion in the first quarter of 2026. Moreover, the result represents a 0.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025. At the same time, the sector’s imports fell 3.3%, to $5 billion. Therefore, the balance resulted in a $33 billion trade surplus from agribusiness products alone. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the result cements the country’s position as one of the world’s leading agricultural powers. This performance strengthens Brazil’s role as a reliable global food supplier amid growing international demand.
Brazilian agribusiness relies on soybeans as its top export product
Soybeans led exports, accounting for 31.8% of the total amount shipped. In absolute terms, that equals $12.1 billion, an 11.5% increase year over year. Next come animal proteins, with 21.3% of the total ($8.12 billion, up 21.8%). Forest products (10.3%), coffee (8.7%), and sugarcane derivatives (6.1%) also stood out. To track the complete historical series, visit the Ministry of Agriculture’s portal.
Among the quarter’s highlights is beef, which hit a historic record of $3.98 billion in exports. Also, 702 thousand tons were shipped, up 37.7% in value and 19.7% in volume. Likewise, pork exports also performed well, totaling $846 million and 336 thousand tons during the period. Overall, these results highlight the growing competitiveness of Brazilian meat exports in international markets.
China remains the top buyer of Brazil’s agricultural exports
Agriculture Minister André de Paula said that “this result shows the strength of a sector that keeps being built through work and investment.” According to him, the performance reinforces the importance of Brazilian agribusiness in the country’s foreign trade. China remained the top destination for the sector’s exports, accounting for 29.8% of the total ($11.3 billion, up 4.7%). Next come the European Union (14.9%) and the United States (5.9%). For more news on the sector, see more Economy posts.
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