How to Import from Brazil to USA in 2026

Brazil–USA Trade Overview: Why Import from Brazil?

Brazil is the largest economy in South America and one of the top 15 trading partners of the United States. In 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded $80 billion, with the U.S. importing over $36 billion worth of Brazilian goods. Key product categories include crude oil and petroleum products, iron and steel, aircraft and parts, coffee, wood pulp, ethanol, and footwear.

For U.S. importers, Brazil offers several strategic advantages. Geographic proximity means shorter transit times compared to Asia — ocean freight from Santos (Brazil's largest port) to Miami takes just 10–14 days, versus 25–35 days from Shanghai. Brazil's diverse manufacturing base, competitive labor costs, and rich natural resources make it an attractive sourcing alternative, especially as companies diversify away from China under the <a href='/insights/china-plus-one-freight/'>China Plus One strategy</a>.

The Brazilian real (BRL) has historically been favorable for U.S. dollar buyers, offering cost advantages on labor-intensive goods like leather products, footwear, granite, and processed foods. Additionally, Brazil's agricultural exports — including <a href='/insights/brazil-coffee-export-guide/'>coffee</a>, soybeans, orange juice, and cocoa — are world-class in both quality and volume.

Step-by-Step Process to Import from Brazil to the USA

1. Research your product and classify it: Identify the Harmonized System (HS) code for your product using the <a href='/tools/hs-code-lookup/'>HS Code Lookup Tool</a>. The HS code determines your tariff rate, any applicable anti-dumping duties, and whether your product requires special permits or certifications (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.).
2. Find and vet Brazilian suppliers: Use trade directories like Apex-Brasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), Alibaba, or attend trade shows such as FENAVIST and APAS Show. Always request samples, verify export licenses, and conduct factory audits or use third-party inspection services before placing large orders.
3. Negotiate Incoterms and payment terms: Choose the right <a href='/insights/fob-vs-cif-vs-ddp/'>Incoterm</a> for your shipment. FOB Santos is the most common for Brazil–USA trade, meaning the supplier delivers the goods to the port and you arrange ocean freight. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shifts all logistics responsibility to the seller. For first-time importers, CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) provides a simpler cost structure.
4. Arrange international shipping: Choose between <a href='/services/ocean-freight/'>ocean freight</a> (FCL or LCL) and <a href='/services/air-freight/'>air freight</a>. Ocean freight from Brazil to the USA costs $1,800–$3,500 for a 20ft container and $2,800–$5,500 for a 40ft container. Air freight runs $3–$6 per kg. A <a href='/insights/how-to-choose-freight-forwarder/'>freight forwarder</a> coordinates the entire logistics chain.
5. Prepare shipping documents: You will need a <a href='/insights/bill-of-lading-guide/'>Bill of Lading</a> (ocean) or Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (for preferential tariff treatment), and any product-specific certificates (phytosanitary for agricultural goods, FDA prior notice for food items). See the full <a href='/insights/customs-documents-checklist/'>customs documents checklist</a>.
6. Clear U.S. Customs (CBP): File an ISF (Importer Security Filing) at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto the vessel. A licensed <a href='/services/customs/'>customs broker</a> files the entry with CBP, pays applicable duties and taxes, and coordinates any inspections. The <a href='/insights/customs-clearance-process/'>customs clearance process</a> typically takes 1–5 business days for standard goods.
7. Pay duties, taxes, and fees: Calculate your landed cost including the tariff rate (based on HS code), Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) of 0.3464% (min $31.67, max $614.35), Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) of 0.125% for ocean shipments, and any applicable anti-dumping or countervailing duties. Use the <a href='/tools/tariff-simulator/'>Tariff Simulator</a> to estimate total costs.
8. Receive and inspect your goods: Once customs clearance is complete, arrange last-mile delivery from the port to your warehouse. Inspect goods against the commercial invoice and packing list. File any damage claims with your <a href='/insights/cargo-insurance/'>cargo insurance</a> provider within the policy's notification window (usually 3–5 business days).

Shipping Costs: Brazil to USA in 2026

Shipping costs from Brazil to the United States depend on the origin port, destination port, cargo type, container size, and whether you ship FCL (Full Container Load) or <a href='/shipping/brazil-to-usa/lcl/'>LCL (Less than Container Load)</a>. Here are the current market rates as of Q2 2026:

Transit Times: Brazil to USA by Ocean Freight

Ocean freight transit times from Brazil to the United States vary significantly by port pair. The Santos–Miami route is the shortest and most popular corridor, with direct services offered by major carriers including MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM.

Importing from Brazil? Get a Free Quote in 2 Hours

Suaid Global specializes in the Brazil–USA trade lane. Our Miami team handles ocean freight, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery from any Brazilian port.

U.S. Import Duties and Tariffs on Brazilian Goods (2026)

Import duties on Brazilian goods vary widely depending on the product's HS classification. Brazil is not part of a free trade agreement with the United States, so most products are subject to the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates. However, some products may qualify for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) — though the U.S. GSP program has been subject to periodic expirations and renewals.

In 2026, the tariff landscape has become more complex due to the Section 122 baseline tariff of 10% on most imports, which adds to existing MFN rates. Some Brazilian products are also subject to Section 232 tariffs (25% on steel and 10% on aluminum) and anti-dumping duties on specific products like hot-rolled steel and orange juice.

Here are typical duty rates for popular Brazilian imports:

Required Documents for Brazil-to-USA Imports

• <strong>Commercial Invoice:</strong> Must include seller and buyer details, product description, HS code, quantity, unit price, total value, Incoterm, and currency. Brazilian exporters must issue the Invoice in English or with an English translation.
• <strong>Packing List:</strong> Detailed breakdown of each package — dimensions, weight (gross and net), contents, and marks. Essential for customs inspection and cargo handling.
• <strong>Bill of Lading (B/L):</strong> The ocean carrier issues this document as proof of cargo receipt and contract of carriage. For LCL shipments, the freight forwarder issues a House B/L. See our <a href='/insights/bill-of-lading-guide/'>Bill of Lading guide</a> for details.
• <strong>Certificate of Origin:</strong> Required for tariff preference claims. For Brazil–USA trade, a generic Certificate of Origin is standard. Some products may benefit from bilateral agreements.
• <strong>ISF (Importer Security Filing):</strong> Also known as '10+2', this must be filed with CBP at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the Brazilian port. Late filing incurs a $5,000 penalty per violation.
• <strong>Customs Bond:</strong> Required for all commercial imports exceeding $2,500. A single-entry bond covers one shipment; a continuous bond ($50,000 minimum) covers unlimited entries for 12 months. Most regular importers use continuous bonds.
• <strong>FDA Prior Notice:</strong> Required for all food, beverages, and dietary supplements. Must be submitted to FDA before the product arrives in the United States. Applies to Brazilian coffee, juice, chocolate, açaí, and other food products.
• <strong>USDA Phytosanitary Certificate:</strong> Required for plant-based products, wood packaging, and agricultural goods. The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) issues this document.
• <strong>APHIS Permit:</strong> Required for certain animal products, live plants, and wood products. Applied for through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
• <strong>Lacey Act Declaration:</strong> Required for wood and plant products. Importers must declare the species, country of harvest, quantity, and value. Applies to Brazilian hardwoods and <a href='/insights/timber-export-compliance/'>timber exports</a>.

Top Products Imported from Brazil to the USA

Understanding the most traded product categories helps you identify opportunities and anticipate regulatory requirements. Brazil's export profile to the United States is diversified across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Choosing Between FCL and LCL for Brazil Imports

The choice between Full Container Load (FCL) and <a href='/insights/what-is-lcl-shipping/'>Less than Container Load (LCL)</a> depends on your shipment volume, budget, and timeline. Here's how the two options compare for the Brazil–USA trade lane:

For most first-time importers shipping less than 10 CBM, <a href='/shipping/brazil-to-usa/lcl/'>LCL from Brazil</a> is the most cost-effective option. You share container space with other shippers and only pay for the volume you use. As your volumes grow beyond 14–15 CBM, switching to FCL becomes more economical because you get a dedicated container at a flat rate.

The <a href='/shipping/brazil-to-usa/'>Santos to Miami corridor</a> has strong FCL and LCL service coverage, with weekly departures from all major carriers. Suaid Global consolidates LCL cargo at Santos and offers competitive rates for the Brazil–USA trade lane.

Regulatory Agencies and Compliance

Importing from Brazil to the United States may require clearance from multiple U.S. government agencies beyond CBP (Customs and Border Protection). The specific agencies involved depend on your product category:

• <strong>FDA (Food and Drug Administration):</strong> Regulates food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical devices. Brazilian coffee, açaí, orange juice, and cocoa all require FDA compliance, including Prior Notice and facility registration.
• <strong>USDA/APHIS:</strong> Regulates animal and plant products. Brazilian agricultural exports need phytosanitary certificates from MAPA (Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture). Wood packaging must comply with ISPM-15 treatment standards.
• <strong>EPA (Environmental Protection Agency):</strong> Regulates chemicals, pesticides, and engines/vehicles. Brazilian ethanol imports are subject to EPA fuel standards.
• <strong>TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau):</strong> Regulates alcoholic beverages. Brazilian cachaça and wine imports need a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) and an importer's permit.
• <strong>CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission):</strong> Regulates consumer products for safety standards. Brazilian textiles, furniture, and children's products must meet CPSC requirements.
• <strong>FCC (Federal Communications Commission):</strong> Regulates electronic devices with radio-frequency emissions. Brazilian electronics must have FCC certification.

Common Mistakes When Importing from Brazil

• <strong>Underestimating total landed cost:</strong> Many importers focus only on the product price and ocean freight, forgetting customs duties, MPF, HMF, drayage, warehouse handling, and customs broker fees. Always calculate the full <a href='/insights/freight-forwarding-cost/'>landed cost</a> before committing to a purchase order.
• <strong>Ignoring Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs:</strong> The 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminum significantly impact the landed cost of metal products from Brazil. These tariffs apply in addition to the MFN rate and the Section 122 baseline.
• <strong>Late ISF filing:</strong> Filing the Importer Security Filing after the 24-hour deadline can result in $5,000 penalties per violation. Work with your freight forwarder to ensure ISF is filed as soon as the booking is confirmed.
• <strong>Wrong HS code classification:</strong> An incorrect HS code can lead to overpaying duties, underpaying duties (which triggers CBP penalties and audits), or missing required permits. Use the <a href='/tools/hs-code-lookup/'>HS Code Lookup Tool</a> and consult a customs broker for complex products.
• <strong>Skipping cargo insurance:</strong> Brazil–USA ocean freight routes are generally safe, but damage, loss, and container falls do occur. Carrier liability is limited to approximately $500 per package. A comprehensive <a href='/insights/cargo-insurance/'>cargo insurance</a> policy costs 0.3–0.8% of the cargo value and covers the full commercial value.
• <strong>Not understanding Brazilian export regulations:</strong> Brazil has its own export controls, taxes (ICMS, IPI, PIS/COFINS), and documentation requirements. Your Brazilian supplier must handle the export side correctly to avoid delays at the port of origin.
• <strong>Forgetting FDA/USDA requirements for food products:</strong> Brazilian food exports (coffee, juice, cocoa, açaí, nuts) require FDA Prior Notice, registered facilities, and sometimes USDA phytosanitary certificates. Non-compliance leads to cargo detention at the U.S. port.

Why Use a Freight Forwarder for Brazil-USA Imports?

A <a href='/insights/what-is-freight-forwarding/'>freight forwarder</a> acts as your logistics partner, coordinating the entire supply chain from the supplier's door in Brazil to your warehouse in the United States. For the Brazil–USA trade lane, a freight forwarder provides:

Suaid Global is headquartered in Miami — the primary gateway for South American trade — with direct relationships with carriers serving all major Brazilian ports. Our team speaks Portuguese and English, understands Brazilian export documentation, and handles customs clearance with CBP. Whether you're shipping a single LCL pallet of coffee samples or full container loads of granite, we provide door-to-door service with transparent pricing.

• <strong>Rate negotiation:</strong> Freight forwarders have volume contracts with ocean carriers, giving you access to rates 15–30% lower than booking directly.
• <strong>Documentation management:</strong> Your forwarder prepares or reviews all shipping documents, ensuring compliance with both Brazilian and U.S. requirements.
• <strong>Customs brokerage:</strong> Licensed customs brokers file entries with CBP, calculate duties, and coordinate inspections — saving you time and avoiding costly errors.
• <strong>Cargo tracking:</strong> Real-time visibility into your shipment from Santos to your door, with proactive alerts for delays or exceptions.
• <strong>Insurance coordination:</strong> Your forwarder arranges cargo insurance and assists with claims if damage occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions: Importing from Brazil to USA

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