Brazil’s economic landscape continues to offer scale and diversity for Swiss companies. Real GDP grew by 3.4% in 2024, the strongest rate in recent years, with growth of around 2.2–2.5% expected for 2025.
Manufacturing and extractive industries remain central pillars of Brazil’s economy, underpinning its strong integration into global trade. The country has further strengthened its position in sustainable energy, with around 88% of electricity generation coming from renewable sources, making Brazil one of the world’s clean-energy leaders. This aligns closely with Swiss expertise in renewable technologies.
Brazil’s agricultural and life-science sectors also continue to expand. The pharmaceutical market is expected to grow strongly over the coming decade, and Brazil remains a global agricultural powerhouse and a leading exporter of food and agricultural commodities. These long-term opportunities are further supported by the EFTA-Mercosur free trade agreement, which represents a major milestone for Swiss exporters by aiming to reduce tariffs, improve market access and strengthen legal certainty once fully implemented.
At the same time, challenges such as currency volatility, inflationary pressures and fiscal constraints require Swiss exporters to plan carefully, localise strategically and build strong, long-term market partnerships to succeed in this complex but highly attractive market.
No
Free Trade Agreement
There is a free trade agreement between Switzerland and this country. Source: State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
3.79 3.79 billion
Total trade flows
Total goods traded with Switzerland (imports + exports). Source: UN Comtrade. Data as of 2023.
11.6 11.6 %
3-year GDP growth
Total real GDP growth over the last three years. Source: World Bank. Data as of 2023.
S-GE Market perspective
Updated on Dec 1, 2025, forecast for Q1 2026 - Q2 2026
Market conditions
Real growth is slowing due to weaker global demand, a 50% US tariff and volatile commodity price. Outlook is sensitive to shifts in export performance in relation to China / US and commodity prices. Uncertainty ahead of the 2026 elections is a downside risk. Opportunities exist in infrastructure, energy, digital infrastructure, and agribusiness.
Market access
In October, Brazil raised tariffs for a range of MEM, IT, and Medtech products as well as transport equipment. EFTA and Mercosur concluded negotiations on FTA in July. The Green Party considers launching a referendum.
Supply chain
Brazil’s supply chains are working but are under strain. Ports are working at or near capacity. Brazil’s ports are operating at full capacity and experiencing major delays due to surging agricultural exports.
Market conditions
Real growth is slowing due to weaker global demand, a 50% US tariff and volatile commodity price. Outlook is sensitive to shifts in export performance in relation to China / US and commodity prices. Uncertainty ahead of the 2026 elections is a downside risk. Opportunities exist in infrastructure, energy, digital infrastructure, and agribusiness.
Market access
In October, Brazil raised tariffs for a range of MEM, IT, and Medtech products as well as transport equipment. EFTA and Mercosur concluded negotiations on FTA in July. The Green Party considers launching a referendum.
Supply chain
Brazil’s supply chains are working but are under strain. Ports are working at or near capacity. Brazil’s ports are operating at full capacity and experiencing major delays due to surging agricultural exports.
Disclaimer: The content is provided for general information only, without guarantee and without constituting any form of advice or recommendation — the full details can be found here.
Navigating Brazil’s fluctuating currency requires strategic timing and strong local insight – but with the right approach and long-term positioning, Swiss companies can thrive even in challenging market conditions.
Hans Andreas Aebi
Head of Swiss Business Hub Brazil
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Downloads
Business Guide
PDF · 552 KBLegal Provisions
PDF · 937 KBEconomic Report
PDF · 549 KBGet access to exclusive business opportunities in Brazil
Event calendar
Stay connected with the latest developments in the industry by participating in our upcoming events. From conferences and workshops to webinars and fact-finding missions.
23
Jun
BID for the Americas Procurement Fair
Looking to access new public procurement opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean? Team Switzerland Infrastructure (TS-I) is pleased to invite you to the BID for the Americas Procurement Fair, a free virtual event by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) open to companies of all sizes interested in exploring new business opportunities.
Online, Switzerland
24-27
Aug
Exposibram 2026
Be part of Latin America's premier mining event
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
03
Sep
Latin America Day 2026
Latin America is one of the world's most promising regions for Swiss business — and the moment to act is now. Join us for the premier annual platform connecting Swiss companies, policymakers, and leading Latin American business representatives.
Rüschlikon, Switzerland
15
Sep
Inbound Mission Hydro Energy
Meet a delegation of Latin America visiting Switzerland. Participate in this exclusive opportunity to have direct contact with key hydropower players!
-, Switzerland
20-22
Oct
Eco Expo & Fenasan 2026
Participate the SWISS Pavilion @ Eco Expo & Fenasan 2026, co-located events that gather the industries of solid waste management and sanitation, and count on the local professional support for your business demands.
São Paulo, Brazil
10-11
Nov
Infrastructure Forum Brazil Switzerland 2026
Join Switzerland's flagship infrastructure event in Brazil: a two-day forum bringing together the leaders shaping tomorrow's infrastructure landscape across South America's largest economy.
São Paulo, Brazil
15-19
Mar
Plástico Brasil 2027
Plástico Brasil - International Plastic Fair is focused on business generation, networking and promotion of content and knowledge.
São Paulo, Brazil
27
Apr
International Trade Forum 2027
Be inspired by leading personalities, discover new markets, and make valuable contacts through targeted matchmaking.
Bern, Switzerland
FAQs
What is the current economic situation?
Brazil is experiencing moderate but stable economic growth. GDP expanded by 3.4% in 2024, and forecasts for 2025 point to growth slightly above 2%, supported by domestic consumption, agribusiness and continued investment in infrastructure and energy. Inflation remains a key factor, and the Brazilian real has experienced periods of significant depreciation, affecting pricing, margins and cost structures for foreign suppliers.
To contain inflation, interest rates remain relatively high, influencing financing conditions and investment decisions. At the same time, the EFTA–Mercosur free trade agreement represents an important structural milestone, as it is expected to improve market access, reduce tariffs and enhance long-term planning security for Swiss exporters once implemented. In this context, Swiss companies should factor in currency movements, financing conditions and evolving trade frameworks when planning market entry and expansion in Brazil.
What are the main export and import trends?
Brazil’s exports remain driven by agriculture, minerals, energy and a broadening mix of manufactured goods. Imports have expanded as demand grows for machinery, specialised equipment and industrial inputs - areas where Swiss companies traditionally excel. Export volumes increased in 2024, and import growth indicates rising domestic demand. Opportunities may further improve as Brazil continues expanding its trade network and deepening investment ties with major partners.
What opportunities exist for Swiss companies?
Swiss firms have strong opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering and industrial technologies. With nearly 90% of Brazil’s electricity already coming from renewable sources, demand is rising for solutions in grid stabilisation, storage, hydrogen development and energy efficiency. The pharmaceutical sector is expected to expand significantly over the next decade, and large-scale agriculture offers openings in agri-innovation, sustainability technologies and high-quality machinery.
Which sectors are most promising?
The most promising sectors for Swiss exporters in Brazil include the pharmaceutical industry, green hydrogen, and renewable energy. The Brazilian pharmaceutical sector is projected to grow from CHF 18 billion to CHF 40 billion by 2032, indicating significant market expansion opportunities. Additionally, the green hydrogen market is expected to reach CHF 30 billion by 2050, and substantial investments in renewable energy, including hydrogen, biomass, and solar, totaled USD 26 billion in 2024, highlighting a strong focus on sustainable energy solutions.
What are the main challenges and risks?
Swiss exporters face challenges such as exchange-rate volatility, inflation, high interest rates and occasionally complex regulatory and tax environments. Shifts in international trade conditions can also impact competitiveness. Successfully entering Brazil requires careful risk assessment, flexible cost planning, and strong local partnerships to navigate bureaucracy, regional differences and market dynamics.
