Small Brazilian Businesses Boost International Trade Presence to Nearly 40% of Exporters
Brazilian small businesses now account for nearly 40% of exporters, with growing international trade ties and entrepreneurial events highlighting their expanding global presence.
- • Small businesses represent 40% of Brazilian exporters as of 2025, up from 30.1% in 2015.
- • Brazil had 29,818 exporting companies in 2025, with 11,822 micro and small enterprises.
- • Small business participation among importers increased to 50.1% in 2025.
- • The United States is the top export destination, but China’s share is rapidly growing.
Key details
Small businesses in Brazil have notably expanded their role in international commerce over the past decade, nearly reaching 40% of the country's exporting companies by 2025. According to data from Sebrae, the number of exporting companies in Brazil hit a record 29,818 in 2025, with micro and small enterprises accounting for 11,822 of these companies—up from 30.1% in 2015 to 40% in 2025. These small businesses generated $2.6 billion in international sales, marking a significant growth in their global economic integration.
The increase is not limited to exports; the share of small businesses among importers rose from 36.7% to 50.1% between 2015 and 2025. This rise underscores their growing participation in global value chains and their enhanced competitiveness, supported by government policies, training, and access to new markets that promote sustainability and innovation.
Regionally, the South and Southeast of Brazil lead this movement, with São Paulo alone hosting 41.3% of exporting small businesses. Together with Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Minas Gerais, these states represent over 80% of small business exporters, pointing to a concentration of international trade activity but also highlighting the potential for expansion in other regions.
In terms of markets, small businesses primarily export to the Americas—South America (25.3%) and North America (19.7%)—with the United States remaining the top destination. However, the U.S. share decreased from 20.1% in 2024 to 16.7% in 2025. Meanwhile, China has become a strategically important market, with the share of Brazilian small business exports to China increasing significantly to 9.43%.
Rodrigo Soares, president of Sebrae, emphasized that this trend "underscores the strategic role of small businesses in the Brazilian economy and their internationalization process," reflecting how these entrepreneurs are now better prepared to compete globally. Opportunities continue to arise from their inclusion in worldwide markets, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
Additionally, a panel event entitled "Noite do Protagonismo" is scheduled for May 13, 2026, at the Centro de Eventos de São João Batista, gathering successful entrepreneurs to share their journeys, including keynote speakers like Michael Aboud, José Koch, and Lucas Schweitzer. This event aims to inspire and provide insights on entrepreneurship, business growth, and market challenges, further supporting the growth of small businesses in Brazil's competitive landscape.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
