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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Brazilian exports to the United States increased by 12,1% in value in August, reaching $3.190 billion, although they registered a 3,1% drop in volume. According to the Ministry of Industry, this figure reflects the impact of inflation and the uncertainty generated by the Trump administration's tariff policies.
Bilateral trade between Brasil y Estados Unidos It shows a growing distortion caused by the macroeconomic environment and tariff tensions. According to data published this Friday by the Secretaria de Comércio Exterior (Secex)Brazilian exports to the US market reached 3.190 million in August, which represents a year-on-year increase of + 12,1 % in value. However, this increase masks a contraction of -3,1% in the physical volume of goods shipped, showing that the nominal growth is due to a price effect and not to increased demand.
The year-to-date trend confirms the weakness of trade flows. Between January and August 2026, sales to Estados Unidos They totaled $24.105 billion, a drop of 9,7% in value and 13,6% in volume compared to the same period in 2025. Herlon Brandão, Director of Statistics of Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria e Comércio (Mdic)He attributed this volatility to trade "interference" imposed by Washington.
Context of tariff friction
La Casa Branca, under the presidency of Donald Trump, has implemented two protectionist measures against Brasil taking refuge in the Sección 301 of the 1974 Trade Law. The first is a 25% surcharge on a portion of Brazilian exports for alleged unfair trade practices. The second consists of an additional 12,5% tariff applied to Brasil and 59 other economies for alleged deficiencies in monitoring imports of products made with forced labor. "We have observed a large fluctuation in this flow," he stated. Brandãowho added that "it is to be expected due to the uncertainties that these interferences generate in the agents."
Despite the adverse context, certain segments boosted the value of exports in August, such as aircraft, beef, semi-finished iron and steel products, and construction materials. Brandão He clarified that aircraft and beef were excluded from the tariffs. "Beef prices have increased in international trade. The issue with aircraft is likely a matter of fulfilling contracts with the country's importers," he explained.
Repercussions for the Spanish and European market
This reconfiguration of trade flows between two giants of the American continent has direct implications for Spanish companies. The tariff pressure of Estados Unidos The supply of Brazilian industrial and agricultural products could divert some of that supply to the European market, intensifying competition for Spanish producers in sectors such as steel, construction materials, and certain agri-food products. On the other hand, the difficulties in accessing Brasil The North American market opens up potential market niches that Spanish exporters with a solid logistics and commercial structure could capitalize on.
Analysis of Brazil's trade balance also reveals a clear geopolitical shift. While exports to Estados Unidos Sales contract in the year-to-date total. China They have increased by 15%, totaling $77.070 billion through August. This figure consolidates the Asian giant as the main trading partner of Brasil and underscores a global trend of realigning trade axes. Regarding imports, Brasil It bought US products worth $4.014 billion in August (+1,1%), although the year-to-date figure is down 8,6%.
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