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Rua Riachuelo, 366 Centro
Rio de janeiro - Brazil
9:00AM to 7:00 PM
Moday To Friday
+55 21 976 723 023
Brazil holds a prominent position in the global agricultural landscape, being one of the largest producers and exporters of sugar, soybeans, and yellow corn. The quality of its crops, competitive prices, and established logistics infrastructure make Brazil a strategic partner for importers around the world.
Understanding the production cycles, expected harvest volumes for 2024/2025, the best periods for importing, and price trends are essential for companies looking to make efficient, profitable, and secure purchases. This guide was created to help international buyers plan their purchases based on updated data and strategic analysis.
Contents
Brazilian agriculture continues on a growth trajectory, driven by advanced precision technology, genetically adapted seeds, and sustainable farming systems. This has allowed for productivity gains despite climatic and market challenges.
Planted Area: 8.4 million hectares
Estimated Production: 676.96 million tons
Average Yield: 79.8 tons per hectare
Sugar Production: 40.17 million tons
Global Export Share: Approximately 40%
Although there is a slight decrease in sugar production compared to the previous cycle (a drop of 5.31%), Brazil maintains its global leadership as the largest exporter of the commodity. The state of São Paulo accounts for over 50% of national production.
In addition to sugar, the byproduct of the sector, ethanol, influences the destination of the sugarcane and can directly impact the availability of sugar for export.
Planted Area: 45.5 million hectares
Estimated Production: 167.4 million tons
Productivity: 3,678 kg/ha
Estimated Exports: 105.48 million tons
With a strong harvest, Brazil continues to hold its position as the largest global exporter of soybeans, ahead of the United States and Argentina. The main demand comes from China, which consumes about 70% of Brazil’s exported soybeans, primarily for animal feed and oil production.
The states of Mato Grosso, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul are the largest producers. International soybean prices tend to fall during harvest peaks, creating ideal opportunities for importers.
Planted Area: 21.4 million hectares
Estimated Production: 126 million tons
Estimated Exports: 36 million tons
Main Markets: China, Japan, Egypt, Iran, and Spain
Corn is grown in two distinct harvests: the first (summer) and the second (safrinha), with the second one responsible for more than 70% of national production. The safrinha is harvested between June and August, representing the best time for importers to benefit from higher volumes and better prices.
Brazilian corn is highly valued for its low moisture content and strict sanitary standards, with micotoxin control, an essential factor for use in animal feed and human consumption.
Knowing when to buy is just as important as knowing what to buy. The table below helps importers identify periods of highest availability:
| Product | Main Harvest | Off-Season |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | April to November | December to March |
| Soybeans | January to May | June to December |
| Corn (1st) | January to March | April to June |
| Corn (2nd) | June to August | September to December |
During the off-season, there is less domestic availability, and prices tend to rise. Importers who plan their purchases during the harvest season can negotiate better shipping terms, deadlines, and prices.
READ ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Importing Agricultural Commodities: Strategies, Trends, and Opportunities
Average FOB Price: USD 497.02/ton
International Price: 18.19 cents per pound (ICE Futures)
2025/26 Forecast: Slight price stability with a trend of moderate increases during the off-season.
Over 80% of Brazil’s sugar production for export is already priced through March 2025, which reduces volatility but may limit spot deals with discounts.
FOB Price in February 2025: USD 26.50/sack (60 kg)
Trend: Price decrease in the first half due to harvest; possible recovery in the second half due to demand from Asia and lower U.S. stock levels.
Non-GMO soybeans with specific certifications (like RTRS, organic, or deforestation-free) carry added value in the European and Japanese markets.
Estimated FOB Price: USD 15.00 to USD 16.40/sack (60 kg)
Trend: High prices in Q1 due to the off-season, with gradual decline starting in July, following the safrinha harvest.
According to Rabobank, China is expected to become the largest buyer of Brazilian corn by the end of 2025, which could increase competitiveness in exports and generate upward pressure on prices in Q4.
| Product | Brazil | USA | Argentina | India | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar (million tons) | 40.1 | 8.3 | 2.5 | 35.5 | 1.3 |
| Soybeans (million tons) | 167.4 | 113.3 | 50.0 | 11.5 | 4.2 |
| Corn (million tons) | 126.0 | 388.0 | 55.0 | 35.0 | 25.0 |
Source: USDA and CONAB – updated estimates for 2024/2025.
Despite North America’s dominance in corn, Brazil has stood out for offering more competitive prices and shorter logistical distances to African, Asian, and European markets.
READ ALSO: The 10 Largest Soybean Meal Exporters in Brazil
Logistical Planning:
Reserve space at ports in advance and avoid congestion during peak months.
Negotiating Forward Contracts:
Fixing prices during planting or early harvest can secure more attractive margins.
Certifications and Sustainable Origin:
Products with certifications (Halal, Kosher, Organic, RTRS) open new markets and add value to shipments.
Establish Partnerships in Brazil:
Having local representatives or consultants facilitates negotiations, quality control, and inspections.
What is the difference between the main corn harvest and safrinha?
The main harvest is grown in the summer and has lower productivity; the safrinha (winter) is more productive and accounts for most of Brazil’s exports.
Can Brazilian sugar be exported in bulk or in bags?
Yes, both options are available. Bulk sugar is common for larger volumes, while bagged sugar is preferred for destinations such as Africa and the Middle East.
What documents are required for importation?
Commercial invoice, bill of lading, phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, and, in some cases, Halal/Kosher certificate.
Importing sugar, soybeans, and corn from Brazil in 2025 presents a strategic opportunity for companies seeking quality, competitiveness, and scale. Understanding production cycles, tracking prices, and maintaining a strong network of suppliers are factors that differentiate successful importers.
With a solid agricultural base and continuous logistical improvements, Brazil is increasingly establishing itself as a reliable supplier for the global market.
Mello Commodity publishes educational articles that aim to guide importers of agricultural commodities on: Brazilian crops, market information, prices, scams, etc.
Some articles may contain affiliate links that provide access to several SUPPLIER GUIDES for Brazilian agricultural commodities. The commission paid to the Mello Commodity team is used to cover production costs and will not impact the cost of acquiring the material.
If you are interested in negotiating the direct import of sugar, soybeans or yellow corn, simply click on the Quotation menu and send us your order details.
Brazilian, graduated in Marketing, Specialist in Service Management and Strategic Communication.
Important International Negotiator in the commercialization of Brazilian agricultural commodities such as: Sugar, Soybeans and Corn.
Owner of Mello Commdity, she has gained great prominence on the internet in recent years by promoting educational articles for importers of Brazilian agricultural commodities.
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