What Is Exporting?
Exporting is selling goods and services produced in Brazil to international markets. It is one of the country's main sources of foreign currency and a driver of economic growth.
Brazil is the largest exporter in Latin America and one of the top 20 in the world, led by soybeans, oil, iron ore, pulp, meat and manufactured products. Brazilian exports move over US$ 300 billion a year.
Understanding the export process is essential for companies looking to diversify markets, grow revenue and reduce dependence on the domestic market.
Types of Exports
Direct Exporting: The producer exports directly to the foreign buyer, with no middlemen. More control over price and relationships.
Indirect Exporting: The product is sold to a domestic intermediary (trading company, distributor) that handles the export. Common for small businesses.
Exporting on Own Account: The company exports in its own name, taking on all risks and costs of the operation.
Exporting on Behalf of Third Parties: One company acts as an agent, exporting on behalf of another company (the declared exporter).
Step-by-Step Process
Market Research
Identify target markets, competitors, regulations and demand. Use trade intelligence to ground your decisions.
Product NCM Classification
Determine the NCM code to know applicable rates, requirements and trade agreements.
Quoting and Negotiation
Prepare a commercial proposal with Incoterms, price, delivery time and payment terms.
Export Contract
Formalize the sale terms in a contract, including warranty, arbitration and force majeure clauses.
Single Export Declaration (DU-E)
Register on the Siscomex Single Portal. The DU-E replaced the old Export Declaration (DE).
Customs Clearance
Present the goods at customs with complete documentation. The Receita Federal may order a physical inspection.
Shipment and Documentation
Bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin. Send documents to the buyer.
Exchange and Payment
Convert foreign currency into reais. The deadline to register the exchange operation is 750 days.
Export Tax Incentives
Brazil offers several incentives to encourage exports:
- Drawback: Suspension/exemption of taxes on imported inputs used in exports
- RECOF-Export: PIS/COFINS credits for exporters
- RESEX: Special regime for micro and small businesses
- Manaus Free Trade Zone: Incentives for companies exporting from Manaus
- FINEX: Export financing with National Treasury funds
- Pró-Exportador: IOF exemption on exchange operations for exporters
Top Markets for Brazilian Exports
Brazil's main export trading partners include: China (top partner), the United States, Argentina, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, India and Chile.
The Mercosur bloc, ACE-14 (with the European Union) and ACE-35 (Mercosur and Singapore) offer tariff preferences that ease access to these markets.
TRADEXA lets you analyze Brazil's trade balance with any country, spotting export opportunities based on real import data from trading partners.
Tips for Successful Exporting
Use trade intelligence data to find the best markets for your product
Start with Spanish-speaking markets — lower cultural barrier and Mercosur agreements
Factor in the total export cost (freight, insurance, documentation) when pricing
Invest in international certifications (ISO, HACCP, Kosher) to access regulated markets
Keep a close relationship with your customs broker and freight forwarder
Document everything — transparency prevents disputes and builds buyer trust