Brazilian exports of high-tech products grew 7.7 percent in 2025, but remain well below sales of low-tech goods, as per a survey released Tuesday (May 26) by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI).

High-tech products totaled USD 9.1 billion last year and accounted for just 2.7 percent of the country’s total exports. In contrast, low-tech products reached USD 130.7 billion, 37.5 percent of Brazil’s foreign sales.

The study was based on data from the Center for Foreign Trade Studies Foundation and indicates that high-tech exports remain 15 times lower than those of low-tech products.

Challenge

In a statement, CNI’s Trade and International Integration Manager Constanza Negri noted that this represents a challenge to the competitiveness of Brazilian industry.

“High-quality economic growth depends on progress in medium-to-high and high-tech sectors,” she stated.

Expanding the share of these sectors, Negri argued, is essential to diversify Brazil’s export portfolio and strengthen the international presence of domestic industry.

Manufacturing industry

The US remained the main destination for Brazilian manufacturing exports, despite a 4.2 percent decline in sales. Sales to the US market totaled BRL 30.2 billion.

China increased its purchases of Brazilian industrial products by 19.4 percent, totaling USD 22 billion in 2025. The food sector was primarily responsible for the growth in exports to the Asian country.

In terms of imports, China remained the leading supplier of industrial goods to Brazil, with sales of USD 70.6 billion.

Argentina

Brazilian exports to Argentina added up to USD 18.1 billion in 2025, up a 31.4 percent over the previous year.

This performance was driven by the auto sector, which recorded a 57.2 percent surge in sales to the Argentine market. Passenger vehicles, trucks, and auto parts led exports to the neighboring country.