Brazil - South Korea Trade 2025 Q1: Volatile Deficit & Tech-Resource Exchange

Key Market Takeaways: Brazil - South Korea Trade

The bilateral trade relationship between Brazil and South Korea shows mixed growth with high volatility in Q1 2025.

• Economic Pulse: Brazil recorded a $140M trade deficit ($1.46B imports vs. $1.32B exports), with exports swinging from +82.4% YoY growth in January to -56.5% in February before rebounding.
• Exchange Structure: Brazil - South Korea trade statistics reveal a resource-for-tech model—Brazil supplies fuels and ores (55.5% of exports), while South Korea dominates with machinery and electronics (57.6% of imports).
• Strategic Interdependence: Complementary but unequal—South Korea holds the high-value position, while Brazil remains a commodity-dependent exporter.

This bilateral trade snapshot is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Brazil-South Korea Trade Trend in Q1 2025

Brazil Export Performance: Shipments to South Korea

• Total Volume: $1.32B in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • YoY growth was mixed, with January surging 82.4% but February plummeting -56.51%. March rebounded with 30.13% YoY growth.
• Key Volatility: February saw a -73.15% MoM drop, while March spiked 237.71% MoM, indicating extreme short-term volatility.

Brazil Import Performance: Sourcing from South Korea

• Total Volume: $1.46B in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • YoY growth was positive in January (33.24%) and March (6.16%), but February slowed to 3.34%.
• Key Volatility: January had the highest value ($563.16M) and MoM growth (39.62%), while February dipped -22.04% MoM.

Brazil - South Korea Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

• Net Position: Brazil recorded a trade deficit of $140M (Imports $1.46B > Exports $1.32B).
• Relationship Status: Brazil remains a net importer from South Korea, though export volatility suggests shifting demand or supply chain adjustments.

Brazil Import Trend from South Korea 2025 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Brazil Export Trend to South Korea 2025 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Get Historical Brazil South Korea Trade Records

Brazil-South Korea Top Trading Products in Q1 2025

Brazil Export Profile: What Does Brazil Sell to South Korea

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 export is HS 27 (Mineral fuels, oils) at 31.41% of total exports.
• Demand Driver: South Korea uses these for industrial processing and energy needs.
• Concentration: Trade is moderately concentrated, with the top 3 categories (HS 27, 26, 22) accounting for 55.48% of exports.

Brazil Import Profile: What Does Brazil Buy from South Korea

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 import is HS 85 (Electrical machinery) at 28.60% of total imports.
• Dependency Nature: Critical technology dependency, as HS 84 (Machinery) and HS 85 dominate imports.

Brazil - South Korea Trade Relationship Dynamics

• The Exchange Model: Resource-for-Tech Complementarity. Brazil supplies raw materials (fuels, ores, agri-products) while South Korea exports high-tech machinery and manufactured goods.
• Value Chain Position: South Korea holds the higher value-add position, with Brazil primarily exporting low-margin commodities.

Import Analysis by Product: South Korea to Brazil (Source: yTrade)

Export Analysis by Product: Brazil to South Korea (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed Brazil-South Korea Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast

Brazil’s trade with South Korea in Q1 2025 showed extreme volatility, particularly in exports, with sharp swings in mineral fuel shipments. Given South Korea’s steady demand for Brazilian commodities and Brazil’s reliance on Korean high-tech imports, the Brazil - South Korea trade forecast suggests moderate growth in Q2, but exporters must brace for continued price and volume fluctuations. The trade deficit may persist unless Brazil diversifies its export basket or secures more favorable terms for raw materials. Long-term, the resource-for-tech exchange will remain dominant, but Brazil must push for higher-value exports to rebalance the relationship.

Strategic Moves

• Lock in Fuel Contracts: Brazilian mineral fuel exporters should negotiate long-term supply agreements with South Korean buyers to stabilize revenue and mitigate wild monthly swings.
• Diversify Tech Suppliers: To reduce dependency on South Korean machinery (HS 84/85), Brazilian importers should explore alternative suppliers in Southeast Asia or Europe to improve bargaining power.
• Boost Agri-Tech Exports: Brazil should aggressively market higher-margin agricultural technology (e.g., biofuels, precision farming tools) to South Korea, leveraging existing trade channels to shift the value chain balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Brazil - South Korea trade perform in 2025 Q1?

Brazil exported $1.32B and imported $1.46B, showing mixed YoY growth with extreme monthly volatility in exports.

What are the top exports from Brazil to South Korea?

HS 27 (Mineral fuels, oils) led at 31.41%, followed by HS 26 and HS 22, collectively accounting for 55.48% of exports.

What does Brazil import from South Korea?

HS 85 (Electrical machinery) dominated at 28.60%, with HS 84 (Machinery) also critical, reflecting a tech-dependent import profile.

What is the trade balance between Brazil and South Korea?

Brazil recorded a trade deficit of $140M, remaining a net importer from South Korea in Q1 2025.