Series: Export Opportunities to European Countries for Brazilian SMEs
In a scenario where the internationalization of Brazilian companies is increasingly crucial for competitiveness, Europe is establishing itself as a strategic destination. Each country offers specific opportunities — whether through the demand for food and commodities or the pursuit of innovation, technology, and sustainability. Therefore, we are initiating a special series on export opportunities for European countries, presenting data, trends, and practical analyses so that Brazilian SMEs can plan their entry into these markets. The initial focus is on the United Kingdom, one of the world's most globalized economies and highly dependent on imports.
Brazil–United Kingdom Trade: Room to Grow
Despite the relevance of the two economies, bilateral trade remains at modest levels: US$ 6.2 billion in 2024. Brazil ranks only as the 27th supplier to the British market, with a 0.5% share of imports. This reveals the great potential for expansion, especially in niches where the country already has consolidated competitiveness, such as soy (leading with 60.6% market share) and green coffee (36.0%).
Highlighted Sectors for Brazilian Exporters
The ApexBrasil Opportunity Map identified 392 export opportunities for the United Kingdom, distributed across sectors of high added value and aligned with the demands of the British consumer. Among them:
(Export Opportunities: United Kingdom – APEX 2025)
- Machinery and transport equipment: aircraft, auto parts, and engines.
- Food products: beef, food preparations, soy derivatives, and fruits.
- Chemical products: medicines, ethanol, and antivenoms.
- Consumer goods and manufactured products: furniture, footwear, ornamental stones.
- Creative economy: electronic games, audiovisual, music, and value-added fashion.
In addition to the traditional agricultural champions, there is growing space for industrial goods and organic chemicals, such as alcohols and phenols, which are already showing expansion rates above 50% per year.
Regulatory and sustainability factors
Entering the British market requires attention to new sustainability legislation. The UK Forest Risk Commodity Regulation (UKFRC), in effect since 2025, requires importers to prove deforestation-free supply chains for products such as soy, meat, and coffee.
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), scheduled for 2027, will impact carbon-intensive sectors such as steel, aluminum, and fertilizers.
For Brazilian exporters, this means investing in environmental certifications, traceability, and innovation in production processes, transforming requirements into competitive advantages.
Competition and trade agreements
The United Kingdom maintains trade agreements with 73 countries, but Brazil is not among them. This confers a tariff disadvantage compared to competitors such as the European Union, Canada, and CPTPP countries. In addition, agricultural products from the USA enter with preferences, competing directly with Brazilian soy and meats.
In this context, brand positioning, differentiation, and market niche strategies become essential to compensate for trade barriers.
(Export Opportunities: United Kingdom – APEX 2025)
Cross-investment opportunities
In addition to exports, there is room for the internationalization of Brazilian companies via direct investment. The stock of British capital in Brazil reached US$ 61.3 billion in 2023, placing the United Kingdom as the fifth largest foreign investor. On the other hand, Brazilian companies are also expanding their presence in the United Kingdom, with success stories such as Granado, Randon and Tramontina. These movements reinforce the complementarity of the two economies.
How Brazilian SMEs can prepare
To leverage British potential, it is recommended that Brazilian companies invest in three main areas:
Value-added strategy: migrate from commodities to processed and differentiated products, increasing margins and reducing competitive vulnerability.
Market intelligence: map specific consumer niches and understand British value chains.
Regulatory compliance: seek certifications (sustainability, quality, food safety) and local partners to facilitate compliance.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom, although already consolidated as a global power, remains dependent on imports and presents opportunities for new suppliers. For Brazil, the challenge is to transform limited presence into prominence, taking advantage of sectors with high demand and building sustainable and innovative chains.
If your company wants to assess its potential for entering the UK market, please contact us to schedule an assessment and find out what steps your company needs to take to start exporting.
