DataLiner shows moderate growth and cargo diversification in Brazil’s container market in 2025

Newly released figures from the Business Intelligence team at Datamar show that Brazil’s container market in 2025 displayed not only operational resilience but also a strategic repositioning in global containerized trade. Performance unfolded against a backdrop of global economic slowdown, trade tensions, tariff barriers and significant economic policy adjustments in major markets.

Overall Performance in 2025

Brazil’s containerized exports totaled 3,248,924 TEUs in 2025, marking 2% growth compared with 2024. While modest, the increase is notable given the restrictive international environment, characterized by high interest rates in advanced economies, weaker global growth and the direct impact of tariff hikes throughout the year.

See below the comparison of Brazilian container exports between January 2022 and December 2025. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Brazilian Container Exports | Jan 2022 – Dec 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Growth was driven mainly by industrialized agribusiness cargoes and higher value-added products. The meat complex led export flows, with 728,714 TEUs (+6.1%), reinforcing Brazil’s competitiveness in animal protein. Other products posting gains included cotton (+2.8%), pulp (+3.7%), paper (+3%), plastics (+4.4%) and tobacco (+17.9%).

Expansion of Plant-Based Products and Asia-Focused Growth

One of the most significant developments in 2025 was the sharp expansion of plant-based products, which reached 93,040 TEUs, up 57.6%. Within this group, sesame seeds stood out with growth of 85.8%, with China as the main destination, followed by India — a clear sign of Brazil’s deeper penetration into specific Asian market niches.

Other products reinforced this trend, including peanuts (+41.8%) and green beans (+58.4%), highlighting diversification within agricultural exports and a move toward higher value-added markets.

This shift was supported by key institutional advances. In 2025, Brazil significantly expanded the number of facilities authorized to export sesame to China, rising from 31 to 61 plants after audits and certifications by Chinese and Brazilian authorities. The move strengthened Brazil’s position in a market where China accounts for roughly 38.4% of global sesame consumption and where Brazil already ranks as the world’s seventh-largest exporter.

At the same time, data from industry group IBRAFE show that by September 2025 Brazil had exported about 349,600 tonnes of sesame and 171,000 tonnes of mung beans, confirming the rapid expansion of Brazilian exports to Asian markets, particularly China.

Declines in Traditional Products and Tariff Impact

By contrast, some traditional products recorded declines in 2025. Timber (-6.5%), coffee (-17.1%) and sugar (-14%) reflected a combination of supply constraints, less favorable international prices, higher tariffs imposed by the United States and adjustments in global demand. Fruit exports were broadly stable, with a slight 0.5% decline.

DataLiner figures show that in Brazil–United States containerized trade, the steepest percentage drops in 2025 were recorded in timber (-21.6%), coffee (-30.2%) and pulp (-19%).

The most recent month analyzed closed with $2.4 billion in Brazilian exports to the United States, down more than 25% from January a year earlier. Brazilian imports of U.S. goods also fell about 10%, totaling just over $3 billion.

The result was a $670 million bilateral trade deficit, underscoring the loss of momentum in trade relations between the two countries and accelerating the redirection of Brazilian exports toward other markets.

Below is a monthly comparison of Brazil’s containerized exports to the United States, based on DataLiner data.

Container Exports to US | Jan 2022 – Dec 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Economic Assessment of 2025

From an economic perspective, 2025 delivered contained but more balanced growth. The 12.1% drop in exports to the United States highlighted the direct effects of tariff barriers and weaker demand in that market. By contrast, shipments to the rest of the world rose 4.1%, confirming geographic diversification as Brazil’s primary risk-mitigation strategy in foreign trade.

Stronger performance in the second half of the year reinforces this view. In the final quarter of 2025, containerized exports grew 6% compared with the same period in 2024 (905 TEUs versus 854 TEUs), signaling a gradual recovery in external demand and more effective use of logistics infrastructure.

On the import side, Brazil handled 3,521,432 TEUs, up 4.4%, outpacing export growth. The trend points to a gradual recovery in consumption and investment, particularly in intermediate goods and industrial inputs, albeit in a cautious environment.

See below a month-by-month comparison of Brazilian container imports over the past four years. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Brazilian Container Imports | Jan 2022 – Dec 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Outlook and Strategic Drivers for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, DataLiner data point to gradual growth trends, shaped by several key strategic drivers:

- Market diversification: expanding presence in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, reducing reliance on the United States.

- Higher value-added cargoes: processed meats, paper, pulp, plastics and specialty plant-based products are expecte

- Niche agribusiness growth: sesame, peanuts and specialty beans should maintain expansion, supported by Asian demand.

- Logistics efficiency gains: investments in ports, digitalization and operational predictability will be critical to sustaining competitiveness.

- Global macro monitoring: potential declines in international interest rates and easing of trade barriers could unlock stronger growth in the second half of 2026.

Market Access and the Potential Impact of the Mercosur–EU Agreement

Beyond the redirection observed in 2025, the medium and long-term outlook may be influenced by the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, concluded after decades of negotiations. The deal provides for the gradual elimination of tariffs on around 92% of Mercosur exports to the EU, alongside reductions in non-tariff barriers.

The agreement is expected to open new opportunities for Brazilian and Argentine agroindustrial products — particularly beef, sugar, ethanol and other agricultural goods — with positive effects on trade flows as tariffs and quotas are phased in.

Argentina and Uruguay in the Regional Context

Regionally, Argentina recorded 11.3% growth in containerized exports in 2025, while imports surged 57.7% from 2024. The performance is closely tied to economic policy changes under President Javier Milei, including cuts to export taxes on products such as soybeans, corn and wheat, alongside currency adjustments.

These measures boosted the competitiveness of Argentine products internationally and mark a clear break from years of heavy export taxation, increasing regional competition in certain markets.

Uruguay, meanwhile, posted 6% growth in exports and 9.7% growth in imports in 2025, underscoring the dynamism of foreign trade across the Southern Cone.

South America Freight Market: Short-Term Stability

Container freight markets in South America remain characterized by weak demand and excess capacity. On the East Coast of South America, rates showed a modest recovery from historic lows, though sentiment remains cautious and demand subdued. A gradual improvement is expected only from March onward.

On inter-American routes, stability is likely to prevail in the near term, supported by contract volumes and limited spot market activity.

Conclusion

Overall, 2025 consolidated a more diversified, resilient and strategically repositioned base for container throughput in Brazil. For 2026, the outlook points to opportunity — provided the country continues to advance in logistics efficiency, market intelligence and international trade strategy.