Brazil's Agro Exports Soar: April Sees Second-Best Result in History!

Brazilian agribusiness demonstrated strong performance in the international market in April 2026. The sector's exports reached US$16.6 billion, a 12% increase compared to the same month last year and the second-best monthly result in history, behind only May 2023. Data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex), analyzed by Itaú BBA's Agro Consulting, shows a consistent advance in external sales, mainly driven by the soy complex, animal proteins, and cotton. Soybeans were the main driver of Brazilian exports. In April, shipments of the grain reached 16.7 million tons, the largest monthly volume of the year, generating revenue of US$7 billion. The average price of the commodity also rose to US$416 per ton, an 8.4% annual increase. Soybean meal also performed well. Beef exports gained strength with strong Chinese demand. The animal protein sector maintained a strong pace in exports, especially in beef. Exports of in natura beef increased by 4.3% compared to April last year, totaling 252,000 tons. China remained the main destination, absorbing 54% of the total exported. Pork and chicken also saw positive performance. In the sugar-energy complex, the scenario was more challenging. Ethanol exports fell by 50% in volume compared to the same period last year. Cotton saw one of the largest advances in the period in terms of export volume, but prices remained under pressure. Fertilizer imports showed a slowdown in April. The market remains pressured by the geopolitical impacts of the