Rio de Janeiro is the third smallest state in Brazil in terms of extension, but, nevertheless, it has an enormous relevance in the national GDP (Gross Domestic Product), second only to São Paulo. In the foreign trade scenario, Rio de Janeiro always occupies prominent positions in the ranking of states that most export in the country, being the second largest importer and exporter in 2019.

To reach this highlight, the state has several ports spread along the coast:

Port of Rio de Janeiro: located in the capital of Rio de Janeiro, on the western coast of Guanabara Bay, comprising the Gamboa, São Cristóvão and Caju piers;

Port of Itaguaí: located in the bay of Sepetiba, next to the restinga of Marambaia. It was opened in the 80’s and is considered one of the most modern ports in Latin America;

Porto de Angra: further south of the state, this port is located in the bay of Ilha Grande;

Port of Niterói: located on the eastern coast of Guanabara Bay, in the municipality of the same name;

Porto do Açu: in São João da Barra, in the North Fluminense region, strategic location for the oil industry.

What are the main products imported and exported by the state? Where do these goods come from and where do they go?

Imports

Last year, the state of Rio de Janeiro imported a total of US$22.4 billion, an increase of 21.3% compared to 2020. There is a wide variety of products in the state’s import list, with great emphasis on products from manufacturing industry, such as engines and machines, medicines and pharmaceutical products for human and veterinary use, petroleum fuel oils, floating platforms and vessels, vehicles, iron and copper works, among others. In the last year, imports of natural gas and electricity were also very relevant in the state.

The United States were the main suppliers of products to Rio de Janeiro, with a 34% share, followed by France, China, Paraguay, and Saudi Arabia, all around 6%, and Germany, Argentina, the United Kingdom and Japan, with 4.8%, 3.5%, 2.8% and 2.6% each, respectively.

Exports

In exports, as mentioned above, Rio de Janeiro has always stood out from other Brazilian states.

In 2021, the state’s exports, which totaled US$33.3 billion, generating a balance of trade surplus of US$10,900 million, crude petroleum oils were the main products shipped in the region, with a 75% share (almost US$25 billion), with China being the main destination (37% share), followed by the United States, 17%, Chile, 5.6%, India, 5.3%, Portugal, 5.0%, and Singapore, with 4, 6%.