# Itajaí trade growth and import leadership

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/itaja-trade-growth-and-import-leadership
> Updated: 2026-08-07T19:28:16.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Itajaí, located in the state of Santa Catarina, has emerged as Brazil's leading importer, surpassing major metropolitan hubs such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and Manaus. During the first half of 2026, the city recorded US$9.1 billion in imports, marking a 12.6% increase compared to the previous year. This volume represents 6.4% of Brazil's total foreign purchases.

China remains the city's primary supplier, accounting for 41.6% (US$3.79 billion) of total imports. Other significant contributors include Germany, the United States, Chile, and Argentina. Additionally, Itajaí maintains a strong export position, ranking fifth in Brazil with US$3.3 billion in exports during the same period.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Itajaí becomes Brazil's leading importer, surpassing major metropolises

Itajaí has become Brazil's top importing municipality, recording US$ 9.1 billion in the first half of the year, driven largely by trade with China.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/itaja-becomes-brazils-leading-importer-surpassing-major-metropolises

### 2026-07-30: Itajaí’s Imports Surge Over $1 B in First Half of 2026, China Remains Top Supplier

Itajaí’s H1 2026 imports rose 12.6% to US$9.1 bn, with China supplying 41.6%. July saw a 25% U.S. tariff hit 68‑72% of Santa Catarina’s exports and higher diesel costs from Russian bans.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/itajas-imports-surge-over-1-b-in-first-half-of-2026-china-remains-top-supplier

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Cite as: Itajaí trade growth and import leadership. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/itaja-trade-growth-and-import-leadership