Through May 2026, Brazil spent $2.43 billion on drilling platforms and specialized vessels — every dollar going to a single country: South Korea.
Brazilian crude oil exports to South Korea reached US$ 0.70/kg in Apr/2026, matching the all-time record price set in Jan/2025 on the bilateral corridor.
Brazil imported 139,753 tons of flat-rolled alloy steel products from South Korea in 2025 — up 242% from the multi-year average. A z-score of 12.2 makes
South Korea seized the top supplier spot in Brazilian industrial laminator imports in 2025, with FOB value up 78× to US$ 11 million and 31.8% share.
South Korea jumped from 9th to 1st in Brazilian imports of industrial calenders and rollers in 2026 YTD, with a 78× FOB surge and 31.8% market share.
Brazilian imports of hair preparations from South Korea have exploded, growing 519% since 2023. The trend reflects the rising K-beauty wave in Latin America.
South Korea leaped 8 positions to become Brazil's top supplier of rolling machines, with its market share jumping from under 1% to nearly 32% in one year.
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