The December 2023 trade data between the Russian Federation and Brazil show a notable uptick, with bilateral turnover rising to 1.6 billion dollars and marking the first 1.8-fold increase in a single month. This assessment draws on data released by Brazil’s national statistics agency and summarized by RIA News.
According to the Brazilian statistics office, Brazil imported goods worth 1.5 billion dollars from Russia in that period. The report highlights that this level represents the largest value of imports in the entire modern history of the two countries’ economic ties, underscoring a peak in bilateral commerce during the month.
Oil products emerged as the dominant import from Russia, totaling about 1.14 billion dollars. In terms of volume, Russia delivered roughly 1,500 thousand tons of oil products to Brazil, establishing itself as Brazil’s largest supplier in this category for that month.
On the list of major exporters to Brazil, the United States and the Netherlands ranked second and third, respectively. The United States supplied about 413.5 thousand tons, while the Netherlands shipped approximately 108.6 thousand tons of oil products to Brazil in December. These figures reflect the broader pattern of Brazil sourcing refined energy products from multiple international suppliers.
Beyond oil products, Brazil’s import profile from Russia also included fertilizers and steel, with iron and uranium mentioned among other items in the December trade structure. The data suggest a diversified set of Russian exports to Brazil during this period, extending beyond crude and refined fuels to include industrial inputs for agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
In contrast, the Russian Federation reduced its purchases of Brazilian goods by around 17 percent, spending roughly 63.6 million dollars on imports from Brazil in December. The agency’s notes indicate that the majority of Russian purchases from Brazil during the month were concentrated in meat and coffee products, reflecting contemporaneous demand patterns in the Russian market.
Observers note that the reported December performance aligns with discussions at the time about elevated trade activity between the two economies. The broadened dialogue about expanding bilateral commerce was also reflected in official statements from Indian authorities, who highlighted the historically high level of trade with the Russian Federation in this period.
Taken together, the December 2023 data illustrate a moment of intensified commercial engagement between Russia and Brazil, marked by record import values, a strong focus on energy-related products, and a wider mix of agricultural and industrial goods. Analysts point to several factors that could sustain momentum in early 2024, including favorable commodity prices, ongoing farm input needs, and policy signals aimed at enhancing trade facilitation between the two countries. As market conditions evolve, the bilateral relationship is likely to continue shaping broader trade patterns across the region and beyond, with Brazil balancing strategic energy demands against diversified imports from Russia and other partners. The landscape remains subject to shifts in global demand, currency dynamics, and geopolitical developments that influence detailed timing and composition of shipments in the months ahead.