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Brazilian agribusiness continues to demonstrate its strength and resilience on the global stage. One of the most encouraging pieces of news from the first half of 2026 came from the rice sector: Brazil's rice exports reached a historic record, having a direct and positive impact on the recovery of prices paid to domestic producers. This strategic move in foreign trade is a clear example of how the trade balance can directly influence the health of the domestic market.

A record-breaking semester for brazilian rice

Between January and June 2026, Brazil shipped an impressive 1.1 million metric tons of rice, representing an 83% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This data, released by the Brazilian Rice Industry Association (Abiarroz) based on information from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex), highlights the growing international demand for the Brazilian product and the country's capacity to meet it.

In terms of logistics, container movement also reflects this growth. In the period from January to May 2026, Brazil exported 4,854 TEUs of rice, a 58.7% year-over-year increase. The table below illustrates the evolution of exports in TEUs in recent years:

Note: Exact data for 2023, 2024, and 2025 were not provided in the original text, but the growth trend is clear with the 2026 figure.

Impact on the domestic market: prices and liquidity

The president of the Federation of Rice Farmers Associations of Rio Grande do Sul (Federarroz), Denis Dias Nunes, emphasizes that the strong pace of exports was crucial to reducing supply pressure on the domestic market. By directing part of the production abroad, producers avoided an oversupply in the domestic market, creating conditions for a gradual recovery in prices.

This offloading strategy is already reflected in price indicators. On July 14, the Cepea/Irga-RS indicator for paddy rice quoted BRL 63.30 per 50-kilogram bag, a 5.10% rise in July alone and an 18.4% increase since the beginning of 2026. This appreciation provides greater liquidity and better returns for farmers, encouraging continued production.

Foreign trade as a pillar of stability

Foreign trade has consolidated itself as a fundamental pillar for the stability and growth of the Brazilian rice sector. In the first half of the year, the rice trade balance recorded a surplus of approximately 400,000 metric tons, a remarkable feat that demonstrates Brazil's capacity to be a reliable supplier to the global market.

Federarroz's projection is optimistic: Brazil is expected to reach around 2 million metric tons exported throughout 2026, which would represent one of the largest trade surpluses in recent years. This favorable outlook for the rice production chain in the second half of the year will depend, in part, on the performance of the US crop and production in Asian countries, which are already suffering the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.

Conclusion

The record in rice exports in the first half of 2026 is proof of the vitality of Brazilian agribusiness and the importance of foreign trade as a tool for balancing and adding value to the domestic market. By expanding its global presence, Brazil not only ensures the sustainability of its farmers but also reaffirms its role as one of the world's main breadbaskets.

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