Trade Intelligence

USA – Brazil Trade Data

A snapshot of what actually moves between the United States and Brazil - volumes, commodities, and the lanes that carry them - put together for shippers who want context before they book.

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2025 Snapshot

One of the Western Hemisphere's Biggest Trade Relationships

Combined goods and services trade between the two countries topped $135 billion in 2025, with the U.S. running a trade surplus for the eighteenth consecutive year.

$135.7B Total goods & services trade

$88.7B U.S. exports to Brazil

$46.9B U.S. imports from Brazil

$41.8B U.S. trade surplus with Brazil

Commodity Flows

What Actually Moves in Each Direction

Both sides of this lane are dominated by a handful of commodity groups - energy, industrial inputs, and a short list of specialized manufactured goods.

Top U.S. Exports to Brazil

Energy products alone account for nearly half of everything the U.S. ships south.

Refined & light petroleum distillates - the single largest category, roughly a quarter of total export value
Aircraft engine parts - turbo-jet and turbo-propeller engine components
Industrial chemicals & reagents - sodium hydroxide, disodium carbonate, diagnostic/lab reagents
Computing & data processing equipment - the U.S. holds a dominant share of this category
Valves, taps & industrial fittings

Top Brazilian Exports to the U.S.

A mix of raw materials, agricultural staples, and a few high-value manufactured goods.

Crude & refined petroleum - the largest single category
Semi-finished steel & raw metals
Industrial machinery - construction and processing equipment
Coffee - roughly $1.2 billion a year on its own
Aircraft & aerospace parts - largely Embraer's commercial aviation supply chain
Agricultural staples - soybeans, sugar, meat, and orange juice

Shipping Lanes

The Ports That Carry This Trade

Most ocean freight between the two countries runs through a short list of gateway ports on each side.

Common U.S. Gateway Ports

Port of Houston, TX
PortMiami, FL
Port of New York & New Jersey
Port of Savannah, GA
Port of Charleston, SC

Common Brazilian Gateway Ports

Port of Santos - the largest port in Latin America
Port of Paranaguá
Port of Rio de Janeiro
Port of Itajaí

Ocean Freight

Typical transit time between U.S. and Brazilian ports runs 15–30 days, depending on the specific port pair and whether the routing is direct or transshipped.

Air Freight

Air cargo moves in 1–3 days, making it the default choice for time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable shipments where the ocean transit window doesn't work.

What It Costs

Indicative USA–Brazil Shipping Rates

Ballpark starting ranges to help you budget before you request a firm quote. Actual rates depend on the specific ports, season, fuel surcharges, and cargo characteristics of your shipment.

Mode	Typical Route	Indicative Rate	Transit Time
Ocean FCL (20')	Houston → Santos	$900 – $2,600	18–25 days
Ocean FCL (40')	Miami → Paranaguá	$1,600 – $4,200	20–28 days
Ocean LCL	Savannah → Santos	$65 – $140 / CBM	22–30 days
Air Freight	Miami → Guarulhos (GRU)	$3.20 – $7.50 / kg	1–3 days

Rates shown are general market ranges as of 2025–2026 for planning purposes only, not a quote. They exclude duties, taxes, customs brokerage fees, and destination charges. Request a firm quote →

Common Questions

USA–Brazil Shipping FAQ

Do I need a RADAR registration to import into Brazil?

Yes. Any Brazilian company importing or exporting through Siscomex must have an active RADAR registration first. There are different RADAR modalities based on annual import/export value, and processing can take several weeks, so it should be confirmed well before your first shipment leaves port.

What is the difference between HS and NCM codes?

The Harmonized System (HS) is the international 6-digit classification used by U.S. Customs and most countries. Brazil uses the NCM (Nomenclatura Comum do Mercosul), which extends the same first 6 digits to 8 digits with Mercosul-specific detail. Getting the NCM digits right, not just the HS code, is what determines your actual Brazilian import duty and any additional licensing requirements.

How does Brazilian customs decide which shipments get inspected?

Siscomex assigns each import declaration to one of four review channels ("parametrização"): Green (cleared automatically), Yellow (documents reviewed before release), Red (physical inspection required), and Gray (documents and value are reviewed for potential fraud or undervaluation). Accurate, consistent documentation is the biggest factor in avoiding Yellow, Red, or Gray channel delays.

Which Incoterm should I use for USA–Brazil shipments?

It depends on how much control and risk you want on each side of the shipment. FOB (Free on Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) are the most common for ocean freight on this lane, while EXW and DDP show up more with experienced importers who want to control the full door-to-door process. We review Incoterms with every client during onboarding so the right party is responsible for customs, insurance, and duties at each stage.

Do I need special certifications to import into Brazil?

Some product categories do. INMETRO certification applies to a wide range of electronics, toys, and technical products, and ANVISA registration applies to food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. These need to be confirmed before the shipment is booked, since they can add significant lead time if not already in place.

How far in advance should I book a USA–Brazil shipment?

For ocean freight, we recommend booking 2–3 weeks ahead of your target ship date to secure space and the best rate, especially during peak season (typically Q3–Q4). Air freight can usually be booked with a few days' notice, though rates rise closer to departure.

Have a Shipment That Fits This Lane?

Whether it's a container of industrial equipment headed to São Paulo or a load of coffee coming north, we can help you plan the move.

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Figures are approximate 2025 full-year and year-to-date estimates compiled from U.S. government and public trade-data sources, rounded for readability, and updated periodically - they are provided for general context and are not a substitute for shipment-specific tariff, customs, or commodity-code guidance. For a lane- or product-specific estimate, request a quote or contact us.