Exporting to Brazil
Major economic force
Brazil is the largest economy in South America. Brazil has a strong business base and modern banking system, with the presence of the world’s largest banks. Brazil’s GDP is set to grow around 2.1% in 2019.
Expanding consumer market
Brazilians are early adopters, with 59% of the population showing interest in technology developments. Brazilian consumers are shopping online more and more, with every category showing consistent growth in the last few years.
Government policy
The environment for exporters should improve under the new government of Jair Bolsonaro, whose priorities include improving Brazil’s business environment and reducing barriers to trade.
Ease of doing business
109th
out of 190 countries, World Bank 2019
Currency
Brazilian real
Business language
Brazilian Portuguese
You are likely to need a translator
GDP per capita
$8,970
2018, IMF, UK is $42,560
Economic growth
1.1%
2018, IMF
Time zone
GMT -4
Opportunities for exporters
In 2018, UK total exports to Brazil improved by 2.7%, reaching £3.2 billion (up from £3.1 billion in 2017). Goods exports represented 66% of the total UK exports to Brazil in 2018.
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Health and life sciences
Brazil has the largest healthcare market in Latin America. 80% of the medical products used in Brazilian hospitals are imported.
Growing medical device market
Brazil has the largest market for medical devices in Latin America, with approximately 6,500 hospitals and 18,000 diagnostic laboratories. Demand is high in chronic disease therapy areas and dental care.
Biomaterials market is growing
The Brazilian market for biomaterials, used in areas such as cardiovascular and orthopaedic treatments, was worth $1.8 billion in 2016. It is predicted to grow 18.3% between 2017 and 2022.
Opportunities in other areas of healthcare
There are opportunities for UK companies in other areas of healthcare including: designing and managing hospitals, e-health, healthcare systems and big data.
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Oil and gas
According to the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), the oil and gas industry traded around $5.6 billion in 2017 and 2018. The ANP predicts that barrels of oil produced per day will increase significantly by 2030.
Exploring and production in the pre-salt fields
In December 2017, 50% of Brazilian gas and oil production came from its pre-salt fields. In January 2018 Petrobras, the largest Brazilian operator, announced plans to launch 8 new platforms for pre-salt exploration that year, and 11 more platforms between 2019-2022.
Demand for UK expertise
There is demand for UK expertise in the following areas: offshore equipment and services, decommissioning, subsea technologies, field life extension, and inspection, repair and maintenance.
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Renewables
Brazil has a well-developed hydro and renewables sector that represents more than 39% of the overall internal energy supply.
Focus on generating clean energy
Water is still the country’s number one source of energy. Next comes energy produced in biomass plants, which make energy through organic fuels, like sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and wood waste. The focus on clean energy presents opportunities for UK businesses with expertise in these areas.
Solar power potential
Solar power is an unexplored energy source in Brazil despite its tremendous potential, particularly in the northeast region where the solar radiation averages from 5.700 to 6.100 kWh/m² per day. Despite the high initial costs, solar micro and mini generators could be an effective solution for the difficulties faced in north and northeast regions in terms of energy access.
Opportunities in other areas of energy
There are opportunities for UK companies in other areas of the energy industry including smart grids, batteries and storage.
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Fintech
In 2017, Goldman Sachs estimated that 200 financial technology companies in Brazil will generate potential revenue of around £24 billion in the next decade.
Investment in new technology
Brazilian banks are investing in new technologies to support fintech services, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT).
Demand for UK expertise
There is demand for UK technology and fintech expertise in areas including: cyber security, mobile and online banking, AI and cognitive technology, data analytics, IoT, blockchain and cloud services.
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Education
The education industry is a priority for the Brazilian government, and some focus areas include raising the level of English fluency and developing e-learning and distance learning.
English language
Brazil has around 40,000 private schools, many of which are adapting to offer bilingual education. Given that the current rate of English fluency in Brazil is low, the market is predicted to grow.
E-learning
According to the Brazilian Ministry of Education, in 2013 over 1 million students were enrolled in higher education through a distance learning course, representing around 15% of all students in higher education. The distance learning segment of the education sector continues to grow, driven by demand due to lower monthly tuition fees.
Demand for UK expertise
There is demand for UK expertise in the following areas: e-learning, education technology, technical and vocational training.
Doing business in Brazil
Preparing to export
Import regulations
Brazil has complex regulation for imports. A lot of government agencies are involved. You should get advice from a legal professional or import agency.
The British Chamber of Commerce in Brazil has members offering legal advice and services to exporters.
Alternatively contact DIT Brazil for advice.
Intellectual property
As a first step, we advise you to speak to an intellectual property lawyer if you think you need patent protection when exporting.
Brazil is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and legal provisions are generally consistent with international standards.
Operating in Brazil
Entry requirements
If you are travelling to Brazil on a British passport, you won’t need a visa.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months and a return ticket and proof of funds may be requested on arrival. Visitors aren’t allowed to work while in Brazil.
Check the gov.uk travel advice for more information.
Next steps
DIT can advise you on doing business abroad, and help put you in touch with other people who can help such as lawyers and distributors.
