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Brazil

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Circle Economy

Domestic material extraction

Domestic extraction

5,203

billion tonnes

24.7 tonnes
Brazil per capita
13.6 tonnes
LATAM average per capita
11.6 tonnes
EU average per capita
12.6 tonnes
Global average per capita

Domestic extraction measures the total physical weight of raw materials extracted from the natural environment for use in an economy, excluding bulk water and air [45]. This metric serves as a vital environmental indicator, as it captures the scale of direct interaction with ecosystems. Regardless of whether these materials are consumed domestically or exported, their extraction often leads to localised environmental degradation, including pollution, biodiversity loss and the destruction of natural carbon sinks.

Brazil is a resource-rich nation with an economy deeply rooted in the domestic extraction of virgin materials.

In 2023, Brazil’s domestic extraction totalled approximately 5.21 billion tonnes, placing it among the largest extractors globally.
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Figure two compares per capita domestic extraction across BRICS countries, including the material group breakdown of resources extracted. This information has been generated from Circle Economy’s own analysis.

These figures represent a significant share of global resource use: Brazil alone accounts for over 5% of the roughly 100 billion tonnes of materials extracted worldwide annually [46]. Per capita material extraction in Brazil stands at approximately 25.2 tonnes, nearly double the global average of 13 tonnes per person. Among comparable economies, Brazil ranks highest in per capita material extraction—surpassing China (24.2 tonnes), Russia (21.8 tonnes), South Africa (13.6 tonnes), and India (5.6 tonnes) [47], as shown in Figure two. Within Latin America, Brazil is the second largest extractor of raw materials, underscoring its central role in the region’s natural resource economy.

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Figure three shows Brazil’s domestic extraction breakdown by material group, 2023.
Click on the pie chart to explore more data.

Material extraction by country of destination

Of the 5.2 billion tonnes of raw materials extracted annually in Brazil, approximately 3.6 billion tonnes (69%) are consumed domestically. The remaining 31% (1.6 billion tonnes) are exported, positioning Brazil as a key global supplier of raw materials—particularly metal ores, biomass, and non-metallic minerals (as shown in Figure four).

Asia and Oceania represent Brazil’s largest export destination, accounting for the bulk of metal ores (535 million tonnes), followed by non-metallic minerals (170 million tonnes) and biomass (118 million tonnes). China, in particular, is Brazil’s largest export partner. [59]

While Brazil is a top extractor of metal ores, it processes very little domestically—most ores are exported as raw materials, especially to China, where they are transformed into high-value products and re-imported. This reflects lost opportunities for domestic value creation, industrial development and socioeconomic benefits.

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Figure four domestic resource extraction by region of destination, 2023.

While biomass extraction remains largely domestically oriented, exports of agricultural biomass, though small by weight (~13%), are highly significant in global markets. Asia and North America are major importers of soybeans, maize, and sugar, linking Brazil’s land use closely with global consumption patterns, particularly for livestock feed and meat production. The shift since the 1960s—from exporting coffee and cacao to becoming a commodity powerhouse for soy, corn, cotton, meat, and ethanol—has deepened this dependency. [60] Brazil’s position as the third-largest agricultural exporter is underpinned by productivity gains and export-oriented incentives, [61] but often involves extensive farming that threatens key biomes and biodiversity [62]. From a production perspective, biodiversity loss from land use has increased, while from a consumption perspective, it has declined—suggesting that Brazil’s growing biomass exports are driving land-use impacts and emissions at home. [63] Brazil’s main export partners include North America (mainly the US), which imports around 97 million tonnes of biomass along with metal ores and non-metallic minerals, Europe with similar volumes across major material groups, and Latin America, receiving balanced mixes as well. The Netherlands serves as a key gateway into the EU. Africa is the smallest export market but imports comparable material types, highlighting Brazil’s role as a diversified global raw material supplier.

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The Circularity Gap Report is an initiative of Circle Economy, an impact organisation dedicated to accelerating the transition to the circular economy.

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