Overview
- Official data show imports from Brazil rose 30.7% to US$18,155 million in 2025 as exports fell 4.6% to US$12,955 million.
- Abeceb estimates the automotive sector accounted for roughly 69% of the import surge and 76% of the export drop with Brazil.
- Passenger-vehicle imports jumped 76.6% year over year, while passenger-vehicle exports fell 27.9% in 2025.
- After 16 straight months of deficits, December posted a small surplus of US$26 million as imports contracted more than exports.
- Analysts, including Abeceb, project a similar gap near US$5 billion in 2026, citing softer Brazilian demand and political risk alongside some exchange-rate relief.