Brazil's small firms boost imports, experts urge shift to high‑tech exports

In 2025 Brazil reached a record 60,115 importing businesses, with micro and small enterprises driving a 7.6% year‑on‑year increase. A July guide for micro‑entrepreneurs (MEIs) advises on the new alphanumeric CNPJ format, tax‑transaction programs that can settle debts up to R$ 45 million, and compliant hiring practices.

Government and academic data show that 83% of Brazil’s 2024 export revenue came from agricultural and mineral commodities, while medium‑tech products accounted for 14% and high‑tech goods only 3%. Analysts argue that the country must move beyond commodity exports toward higher‑value manufacturing, citing South Korea’s shift from basic science to industrial AI and quantum computing as a model. Institutions such as Embrapa are highlighted for their role in agricultural research, but experts warn that without stronger industry‑led innovation the current export mix will limit Brazil’s global competitiveness.