GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Trade between Guyana and Brazil has surged to US$1 billion, up from about US$58 million in 2020, as both countries deepen economic ties and advance wider South American integration.
Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud. (Photo credit: DPI)Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana, Maria Cristina de Castro Martins, said the growth reflects expanding cooperation in energy, mining, infrastructure and construction sectors.
“The trade relations between both countries have been expanded significantly in recent years. The trade flow, which was around US$58 million in 2020, has now reached US$1 billion,” she said.
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said the increase reflects strong political will on both sides to strengthen cooperation and trade.
He noted that by 2024, Brazil had become Guyana’s fifth-largest source of imports and seventh-largest export market, supported by increased engagement between the public and private sectors through trade missions.
Persaud said global supply chain disruptions have also encouraged Guyanese businesses to seek alternative markets to support major development projects in housing, agriculture and infrastructure.
However, he acknowledged that the trade balance remains heavily in Brazil’s favour, noting differences in competitiveness, scale and productive capacity between the two economies.
He also pointed to technical barriers, including phytosanitary requirements, as ongoing challenges to Guyanese exports, though both sides continue to work on addressing them.
“The Guyana-Brazil relationship is fundamental to South American integration and the prosperity of the region,” Persaud said.
He added that both countries are strengthening cooperation in digital connectivity, energy and transport to support long-term growth.
Key infrastructure projects, including the Linden-Lethem Road, a planned deep-water port and upgrades to the Lethem airport, are expected to further deepen regional integration.
Officials say the expanding partnership is also helping to attract investment, create jobs and support technology transfer across sectors.
