In February, Argentina had a deficit in its bilateral trade balance with Brazil of 384 million dollars, affected by the increase in imports. According to a report by Abeceb, imports grew by 53.3% year-on-year, with the automotive sector being a key factor in this result. This is the seventh consecutive month with a trade deficit, in contrast to the deficit of 221 million dollars in the same month of 2024.
The total bilateral trade flow was 2.493 billion dollars in February, with a year-on-year increase of 50.5%, the highest in five years. With the balance recorded in February, the accumulated trade deficit in the first two months of 2025 was 711 million dollars, decreasing by 518 million compared to the first two months of the previous year.
The increase in the trade deficit in February is mainly explained by the rise in imports which reached 1.438 billion dollars, showing a year-on-year growth of 53.3%, surpassing the expansion of exports (46.9% annual). Both in imports and exports, the automotive sector played a significant role, responsible for 70% of the increase in imports and 76% in exports.
In particular, imports of vehicles from Brazil significantly increased in February: road vehicles grew by 197.5%, passenger motor vehicles by 171.2%, and vehicles for goods transportation by 95.0%, among others. On the other hand, Argentine exports to Brazil totaled 1.054 billion dollars in February, with an increase of 46.9% year-on-year, maintaining nine consecutive months of growth.
In the cumulative total for the first two months of the year, Argentine exports to Brazil rose by 28.2% compared to the same period in 2024. The automotive sector continues to be a prominent player in this trade landscape between the two countries.
