Imports of consumer-oriented products
Brazil is an upper middle income country of continental proportions. In 2015, Brazil’s GDP reached US$ 1.8 trillion, which positioned the country as the 9th largest economy in the world and the largest and most influential economy in South America. Alone, it represents 47 percent of the land in South America and 49 percent of its population. Brazil is also a major producer of food and agricultural products and a leading player in the global marketplace. Producers, food processors, wholesalers, retailers, food service operators and food importers are all part of a well-developed agribusiness sector, contributing to make the domestic scenario competitive and dynamic. Although self-sufficient in food supply, Brazil also is an important client for the rest of the world. In 2015, imports of agricultural products reached US$8.7 billion, placing Brazil as the 33rd largest importer in the world and the 1st buyer in South America.
Brazil remains an attractive consumer market. Half of its population of approximately 204 million is considered middle class and around 16 million are at the top of the social pyramid, the high-end consumers.
In 2015, Brazilian imports of consumer-oriented products totaled US$ 4 billion, down 12.7 percent. U.S. exports reached US$ 352 million, a nine percent market share. Despite the decrease in the total imports of consumer-oriented products by Brazil, U.S. exports within the category dropped only 6.6 percent and gained market share, increasing one percent from 2014 to 2015.