Procurement, sourcing and import from Brazil

Purchasing products or services seems easy, but this is not always the case. How do you know that you have the best deal, especially if you haven’t done much business before in Brazil?

It already helps if you have a structured approach for your procurement and to keep your options open. Working with a local consultant or agency may help to identify more potential suppliers and to get the products that you just bought accross the border to their destination.

International sourcing in action

Find the right suppliers in Brazil

Brazil, located in South America, exports a diverse array of products that showcase its natural resources and industrial capabilities. The country is renowned for exporting agricultural products such as soybeans, sugar, coffee, and beef, which are major contributors to its economy. Brazil also exports minerals like iron ore and precious metals, leveraging its rich reserves in these resources.

Brazil allows contracts to be in any language, as long as both parties can understand them and certain rules are followed. The pace of every negotiation depends on the place or city where it is held.

Wages in Brazil vary by region and industry. Generally, wages are lower compared to many developed countries, reflecting economic differences. The cost of living in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro can vary widely, influencing disposable income levels.

Brazil is known for its industrial sector, particularly in automotive manufacturing and aircraft production. It also has a strong presence in the energy sector, with significant exports of oil and ethanol. Additionally, Brazil has a vibrant forestry sector, exporting wood products like pulp and paper.

 

Travel to Brazil for a better impression

The best preparation for doing business in any country is visiting it. This way you can experience the culture, check the shops and build your network.

Where it comes to hotels, research shows that if you check these platforms, in 80% of the cases you have the lowest room rates.

A structured approach for sourcing from Brazil

If you take your sourcing step by step, then it can’t go wrong.

Step 1

Supplier search

Try to identify in total 6 to 10 possible suppliers and check their websites. Approach them with a general request to see whether they have the products or services you need.

Step 2

Supplier selection

Submit your requirements to a group of three to five selected suppliers and ensure you get the right comparable quotations to make a choice. Negotiate with one or two of them to get the best result.

Step 3

Supplier Management

Now start collaborating, making sure you have an efficient ordering process and limited risks where it comes to quality control and shipping the products.

Shipping your products

If you buy physical products, you need them to get the shipped out of Brazil. Depending on the country you are in, this can be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150. 

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

Customs clearance for Brazil

Getting your products imported and delivered in a specific country can be a challenge. I have good experience with Tecex, who can act as your importer of record and even physical distributor. If you leave your details, they will contact you. 

    Your first name

    Last name

    Your company email

    Mobile number

    What is your company website?

    Where is your company based?

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    Frequently asked questions

    The best way to find a supplier or service provider in Brazil is to first have clear exactly what you are looking for. Also determine what size, qualities or other characteristics your vendor should have. Only then start searching in the market and always ask proposals for a concrete project to three or more parties.
    Yes, in general buying goods or services from Brazil is safe. Of course there are always unforeseen hiccups, but most can be managed. Only if you are at a greater distance from the country, in a different time zone or English can not be the common language, then there may be misunderstandings and your supplier may be difficult to control. Having a local representative for your company can then be wise.

    In developing or more developed countries also labour costs are getting higher, so there is no real bargain any more. On the other hand, the more developed a country is, the better the certainty for deliveries and the more focus there is on quality.

    There are various companies offering sourcing and procurement services, and it is always good to have a comparison. Please note that we have transparant packages for supplier selection, and most important, a local team in Brazil.
    Always make sure first that Brazil is the right place to source for this product, or otherwise start searching in a few countries at the same time. Then list at least 5 or preferably 10 companies and start approaching them (or have this done by us) in order to check that they can provide what you want. Then start the real comparison.