What were the most imported products by Brazil in 2024?
If you follow foreign trade, you may have asked yourself: What matters most to Brazil? In 2024, Brazilian imports totaled an impressive US$ 262.5 billion, a growth of 3.3% compared to the previous year, according to data from Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex).
This increase was driven mainly by the agricultural sector, which grew 25,1%, while the manufacturing industry also saw a growth of 3,3%. On the other hand, the extractive industry saw its imports fall 10,5%. But after all, What were the products that entered Brazil the most? Let's check out the list of the 10 most imported items this year!
1. Petroleum fuel oils and bituminous materials
The champion of Brazilian imports in 2024 was the fuel sector, with US$ 15.2 billion imported. Russia stood out as the main supplier, sending US$ 6.24 billion of these products to Brazil. The country imports these fuels to supply its energy matrix and maintain supplies to the transport and industrial sectors.
2. Fertilizers and fertilizers
With a strongly growing agricultural sector, Brazil invested US$ 13.54 billion in fertilizers and manures to meet agricultural demand. Russia, again, was the largest supplier, contributing US$ 3.4 billion.
3. Electronic components
Increasing digitalization and the need for semiconductors have driven the import of integrated circuits, chips and other electronic components. The lack of large-scale domestic production means the industry is heavily dependent on imports, mainly from China.
4. Telecommunications equipment
With the expansion of 5G infrastructure and the constant modernization of the telecommunications sector, devices such as routers, smartphones and network equipment were widely imported by Brazil.
5. Motor vehicles and their parts
The Brazilian automotive market remains strong in the import of automobiles, parts and accessories. This includes both finished vehicles and components for national assembly.
6. Organic chemicals
Essential for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries, these products had a strong presence in Brazilian imports in 2024. They are fundamental for the manufacture of medicines and various inputs.
7. Medicines and pharmaceutical products
The health sector also stood out, with high imports of medicines and pharmaceutical supplies to supply hospitals, pharmacies and laboratories throughout the country.
8. Optical and precision instruments and devices
Medical and high-precision equipment, such as surgical instruments and examination devices, were widely imported to meet the growing demand for cutting-edge technology in the healthcare sector.
9. Plastics and their works
From plastic resins to finished products, the plastics sector had a large representation in Brazilian imports, meeting the needs of several industrial segments.
10. Industrial equipment and machinery
The modernization of national industry has boosted the import of industrial machinery and equipment, which are essential for increasing the productivity and efficiency of Brazilian manufacturing.
Despite the growth in imports, Brazilian exports reached US$1.4 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$1.4 billion – the second largest in history, behind only 2023. At the beginning of 2025, preliminary data from January already indicate a surplus of US$ 2.16 billion, showing that Brazil remains competitive on the international stage.
This list gives us a clear overview of how the Brazilian economy is structured and which sectors depend most on external inputs. With good planning and a well-defined import strategy, it is possible to take advantage of these opportunities to optimize costs and improve competitiveness in the national market.
Have you ever thought about importing any of these products? If you need support to structure an import project, Peculiar can help you! 😉