BRICS: how ApexBrasil boosts Brazil’s foreign trade around the world

Internationalization is a fundamental strategy for making Brazil more competitive on the global stage. 

In an ever-evolving global economic landscape, the internationalization of Brazilian companies is no longer a choice — it’s a strategic imperative for growth and competitiveness.

In this context, ApexBrasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) plays a vital role in advancing Brazil’s foreign trade. Linked to the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), the agency works to open markets, generate business opportunities, and position Brazilian products and services globally through commercial intelligence and technical support.

Through sectoral programs, trade missions, market research, and efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), ApexBrasil helps boost exports and strengthen Brazil’s GDP. This mission has become even more significant in 2025, as Brazil holds the rotating presidency of the BRICS — a bloc that now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and, more recently, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.

More than 1,600 trade opportunities mapped in BRICS

In February 2025, ApexBrasil launched the study Perfil de Comércio e Investimentos para o BRICS (Trade and Investment Profile for the BRICS), mapping more than 1,600 commercial opportunities in the member countries. The document analyses the macroeconomic scenario, trade and regulatory flows, providing essential data to guide the actions of Brazilian companies in the bloc.

In 2024, Brazil exported US$102.5 billion to BRICS countries – with China accounting for 92% of this total. The export agenda continues to be dominated by commodities such as soya, oil, iron ore and beef, which account for more than 77% of sales. However, there are signs of diversification: vegetable oil exports grew by 18.9%, cotton by 16.9% and sugar by 14%.

In addition to trade, the study also reveals a strategic fact: the stock of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the BRICS countries in Brazil reached US$ 49.7 billion in 2023, an increase of almost 14% compared to 2014. This shows not only the interest, but also the confidence of these countries in the Brazilian market.

How to participate in ApexBrasil projects

In an increasingly competitive and globalised world, ApexBrasil works strategically to position Brazil as a leading player in the international market. To this end, its activities are structured around productive “sectors”, which represent the various segments of the Brazilian economy with an export vocation.

The agency currently promotes projects aimed at the following sectors:

• Food, Beverages and Agribusiness
• Home and Construction
• Defence and Security
• Creative Economy
• Machinery and Equipment
• Fashion
• Health
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Part of this work is coordinated by more than 50 sectoral committees, organised in partnership with organisations representing each area. These committees map out commercial opportunities, define strategies by target market and carry out practical actions such as:

• Participation in trade fairs and international missions
• Technical certifications
• Export training programs
• Sectoral branding projects

Brazilian companies interested in participating in these initiatives can do so in just a few simple steps: identify their sector, contact the partner association indicated by ApexBrasil, complete the registration, and join the proposed activities. Participation provides direct access to strategic markets – especially in BRICS countries, which offer hundreds of business opportunities already mapped by the agency.

A clarification worth noting: for international trade missions, expenses related to airfare, accommodation, and logistics are the responsibility of the participating entrepreneurs. ApexBrasil, in turn, organizes the agenda, fosters the institutional environment, and provides technical and strategic support.

Financing to turn potential into reality

The success of internationalization also depends on accessible and strategic financing. In this regard, BNDES plays a key role across various sectors, particularly in agribusiness and the national industrial base.

In 2024, BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) provided R$52.3 billion in credit to the agribusiness sector, reinforcing its position as the leading driver of Brazil’s export agenda to BRICS countries. At the same time, the bank allocated a similar amount—R$52.4 billion—to the industrial sector, a significant increase that reflects the strengthening of domestic industry, which is essential for diversifying and adding value to exports.

These resources are crucial for expanding production capacity, modernizing processes, and ensuring that Brazilian companies can meet the demands of international markets. For ApexBrasil, this financial support enhances trade promotion and global market integration efforts, directly contributing to increased exports, investment attraction, and, ultimately, GDP growth.

Investing in productive credit means investing in the country’s sustainable development, as it strengthens key economic sectors, generates jobs, and boosts Brazil’s competitiveness on the global stage.

ApexBrasil and BRICS: levers for GDP growth

The collaboration between ApexBrasil, market studies, sectoral committees, and the credit support provided by the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) forms a virtuous ecosystem that strengthens Brazil’s position in international trade. Exporting with intelligence and institutional support delivers concrete results: trade surpluses, investment attraction, job creation, and increased domestic income.

The BRICS Profile study shows that Brazil is ready to play an even greater role in global value chains. However, this also depends on the initiative of business leaders and entrepreneurs who recognize internationalization as a strategic path to growth.

With data, planning, and coordinated action, ApexBrasil turns intention into results, preparing the country for a new cycle of global expansion.

Interested? Get in touch with ApexBrasil

For further information about trade missions or sectoral projects, please contact the ApexBrasil team through the official channels: by phone at +55 (61) 3426-0202 or by email at atendimento@apexbrasil.com.br.