Country Guide
Exporting from Russia to Brazil
Brazil's 5th largest import origin. Fuels and fertilizers dominate — two sectors where Brazil has critical dependency and low tariff barriers.
Updated May 2026
Russia is a top-5 source of Brazilian imports, with trade heavily concentrated in two strategic sectors: petroleum products and fertilizers. Brazil imports roughly 85% of its potash and a significant share of its fuel needs from Russia. There is no free trade agreement between Russia and Mercosur, and Western sanctions have reshaped — but not eliminated — bilateral trade flows.
No preferential trade agreement
Russia has no FTA with Brazil or Mercosur. Russian goods pay the full TEC (Common External Tariff). However, most Russian exports to Brazil (fuels, fertilizers) already face low or zero tariffs due to Brazil's strategic import needs.
Essential terms
?What is an NCM code?
NCM (Nomenclatura Comum do Mercosul) is Brazil's 8-digit tariff classification code. The first 6 digits match the international HS (Harmonized System) code — the remaining 2 are Mercosur-specific. Every import tax rate in Brazil is determined by the NCM code.
HS → NCM lookup tool?What is a CNPJ?
CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica) is Brazil's national business registry number — equivalent to an EIN (US), Company Number (UK), or Handelsregisternummer (Germany). Every company that imports into Brazil must have a CNPJ.
CNPJ registration guide?What is RADAR?
RADAR (Registro e Rastreamento da Atuação dos Intervenientes Aduaneiros) is Receita Federal's mandatory import/export authorization. Your Brazilian buyer needs active RADAR before any goods can clear customs. It comes in three modalities with different value limits.
RADAR & customs clearance guideKey product categories and tariff strategy
| Product | Import duty | Key consideration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuels & petroleum Diesel, gasoline, crude oil, coal | 0-6% | ANP license | View HS 27 → |
| Fertilizers Potash, MAP/DAP, urea, ammonium nitrate | 0-6% | Strategic supply | View HS 31 → |
| Cereals Wheat | 10% | MAPA phytosanitary | View HS 10 → |
| Inorganic chemicals Alumina, chlorine, sulfur | 0-14% | Controlled substances | View HS 28 → |
| Iron & steel Semi-finished steel, slabs | 10-14% | Anti-dumping possible | View HS 72 → |
| Aluminum Unwrought aluminum, plates | 6-14% | Low duty | View HS 76 → |
Fertilizers: Brazil's strategic dependency
Brazil is the world's 4th largest agricultural producer but imports roughly 85% of its fertilizer needs. Russia is the dominant supplier:
- Potash (KCl, HS 3104): Russia and Belarus together supply over 40% of Brazil's potash. Import duty is 0-6%
- MAP/DAP (HS 3105): di-ammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate for soybean and corn production
- Urea (HS 3102): nitrogen fertilizer essential for Brazilian agriculture
- Ammonium nitrate (HS 3102): controlled import due to dual-use concerns
After the 2022 supply disruptions, Brazil has actively diversified fertilizer sources (Canada, Morocco, Saudi Arabia), but Russian supply remains critical due to volume and price competitiveness.
Petroleum and fuels
Despite being a major oil producer itself, Brazil imports refined petroleum products:
- Diesel (HS 2710): Russia is one of Brazil's top diesel suppliers, particularly during seasonal demand peaks
- Crude oil: selective imports to complement Brazil's pre-salt production
- Coal: metallurgical and thermal coal for steel production and energy
- ANP authorization: all petroleum product imports require Agência Nacional do Petróleo licensing
Sanctions and trade dynamics
Brazil has not imposed sanctions on Russia. Bilateral trade has continued — and in some sectors increased — since 2022. However, the trade relationship is affected by:
- Payment mechanisms: Western banking restrictions have complicated payments. Some transactions use alternative channels
- Shipping and insurance: higher freight and insurance costs due to sanctions on Russian-flagged vessels
- BRICS framework: both countries are BRICS members, with ongoing discussions about trade facilitation
- Supply diversification: Brazil is gradually diversifying away from Russian fertilizers, but substitution is slow
MAPA-authorized establishments
Source: SIGSIF/DIPOA66 Russian facilities are authorized by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture to export animal products.
Regulatory requirements
- ANP — all petroleum products and derivatives require ANP authorization
- MAPA — wheat and cereals require phytosanitary certificates
- Exército / DFPC — ammonium nitrate imports require Army authorization (dual-use)
- IBAMA — some chemical products require environmental licensing
Practical next steps
- Find your product's NCM code
- Verify ANP/MAPA/Army licensing requirements for your specific product
- Calculate the full landed cost including all 7 Brazilian taxes
- Confirm payment and logistics arrangements given current geopolitical context