EN 
PT_BR 
The agricultural sector continues to perform well in Minas Gerais' exports and is ahead of mining, according to the results released in March. In the first two months of 2025, the sector maintained an impressive performance, accounting for 43% of the state's total exports – a record for the best two-month period in the historical series that began in 1997. Revenue amounted to US$$ 2.6 billion, with an export volume of 1.4 million tons. Compared to the same period of the previous year, revenue grew by 18%, with a 24% drop in volume.
Photo: Disclosure/Seapa MG
Minas Gerais reaffirmed its relevance on the national scene, reaching third place among the main exporters, with a share of 11.6% in total sales. The state surpassed Paraná and stood out as the only one, among the best positioned, to register growth in revenue from agricultural sales, driven by the appreciation of commodities. In total, 150 countries purchased products from Minas Gerais, with emphasis on the United States (14%), China (13%), Germany (8%), Belgium (6%) and Italy (6%).
For the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Minas Gerais, Thales Fernandes, the state remains a key player in the Brazilian export agenda due to the volumes and diversity of products, which attract more and more buyers. “The scenario in the coming months will depend on the dynamics of commodity prices and demand, especially from China and the United States, but the fact that we are once again surpassing mining shows that this is a path that will only grow,” he says.
Coffee, meat and forestry
Coffee continues to be the flagship export of Minas Gerais. The grain generated US$1.8 billion in revenue from the sale of 5 million bags. These figures represent an increase of US$561 billion in value and a slight decrease of US$61 billion in volume compared to the previous year. The commodity accounted for US$701 billion of the state's total agribusiness revenue, reinforcing Minas Gerais' central role as the largest producer and exporter of coffee in Brazil.
Photos: Claudio Neves
The main meats exported by Minas Gerais showed significant growth, with a 20% increase in revenue (US$$ 247 million) and a 13% increase in the volume shipped. Beef continues to be the most traded, with US$$ 171 million in revenue and 36 thousand tons shipped mainly to China, the USA, Chile, Algeria and Russia – together, these countries accounted for 83% of purchases, registering growth.
The growth in Asian demand boosted chicken meat exports, which reached US$1.5 million in revenue for a volume of 32 thousand tons. Pork continues to have a significant share among foreign buyers, registering sales of US$1.1 million and shipments of 6 thousand tons.
The forest products sector, which includes pulp, timber, natural rubber and natural gums, saw revenue increase by 17% to US$197 million, while volume grew by 18% to 330,000 tonnes. Pulp and paper saw revenue increases of 18% and 80%, respectively.
Lower availability of sugarcane
On the other hand, there were negative variations in some products, caused by the weather and market contexts. The sugar and ethanol complex (sugar and ethanol), for example, recorded significant drops of 54% in revenue (US$1.76 million) and 50% in volume (379 thousand tons). These results were due to the lower availability of sugarcane for milling, the result of a prolonged off-season and competition for raw materials for ethanol production, given the high fuel prices. In addition, logistical challenges and fluctuations in external demand also influenced the sector's downturn.
The soybean complex, consisting of soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil, also faced a significant decline. Revenue of US$1.5T 84 million and shipments of 199 thousand tons represented a contraction of 551.4T in value and 481.4T in export volume. The variation is a consequence of adverse weather conditions, such as the prolonged drought in important producing regions of Minas Gerais, which reduced productivity.
