Rio de Janeiro's trade flow reached $80.2 billion in 2025, marking a 9% increase despite the tariff hikes imposed by the U.S. government last year. The state recorded a trade surplus of $15.9 billion, fueled by record exports of $48.1 billion and imports of $32.2 billion—historic highs for both operations.

With the recent suspension of the tariffs by the U.S. Supreme Court (February 20), Firjan emphasizes that the key focus now lies on analyzing the timeline for removing the 40% and 10% tariffs on Brazilian products and replacing them with the new 15% global tariff announced by President Donald Trump on Saturday. Possible investigations into the matter also remain a point of concern.

China Leads Oil Purchases

Outperforming the national trend (which saw 5% growth compared to 2024), Rio’s results were primarily driven by oil and gas exports ($37.9 billion), accounting for 79% of the state’s international sales—a 4% increase from the previous year.

• China ($17.0 billion) remained the top destination, absorbing 45% of Rio’s crude oil exports.
• However, shipments to two of the three main markets—the U.S. and Spain—declined.
• New markets helped push Rio’s total exports to $48.1 billion in 2025.

"The record trade flow demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of Rio’s business community in a year marked by major challenges in strategic markets like the U.S. This reinforces the importance of international operations as an alternative in times of instability," said Firjan President Luiz Césio Caetano.

The Rio Exporta Bulletin and dynamic data can be accessed via the Firjan Observatory.

Diversification Beyond Oil

The report also highlights:

• A 53% surge in exports of machinery and equipment ($1.3 billion), driven by a 106% increase in sales of taps, valves, and similar devices ($456 million).
• An 80% jump in passenger vehicle exports ($532 million), with Argentina as a key market.

Exports excluding crude oil reached $10.2 billion, up 9% annually. The U.S. ($3.3 billion) remained the top partner, though growth was stagnant compared to 2024. Gains were seen in trade with Mercosur, the EU, ALADI, and USMCA, while Asia ($2.5 billion) saw a 4% decline, influenced by a 27% drop in exports to Singapore ($1.2 billion), mainly fuel oils.

"The 2025 results show diversification in Rio’s trade partners. While China and the U.S. remain critical, we see renewed growth in traditional markets like Argentina and Mexico, as well as emerging ones like the Netherlands," noted Rodrigo Santiago, President of Firjan’s Business Council for International Relations.

Rio’s Imports Also Rise

Total imports into Rio reached $32.2 billion, up 15% from 2024. Key highlights:

• Intermediate goods and raw materials ($19.2 billion) accounted for 60% of imports.
• Imports excluding oil totaled $29.8 billion, an 18% increase.
• The U.S. ($9.6 billion) remained the top supplier, led by aviation engines and turbines ($5.6 billion).
• The EU ($7.0 billion) saw a 23% rise, boosted by a 68% surge in imports from France ($3.2 billion), particularly bearings and gears.