An obvious choice for businesses looking to operate in Latin America
Brazil’s sheer size – both in terms of its geography and its population – make it an obvious choice for businesses looking to operate in Latin America. More than a third of the continent’s working population live in the country, and Brazil’s economy is among the 10 largest in the world.
Brazil is the world’s biggest exporter of products such as soy, sugar cane, coffee and meat; it is also the largest global producer of iron ore and ethanol, which is widely used as an alternative fuel for vehicles.
The country’s biggest trading partners are China and the United States: the former accounts for almost a third of exports. “Global demand for food is rising, especially in Asia, and Brazil can help to meet this demand,” Daniel says.
“On the international stage, Brazil’s most important role is probably linked to its agriculture industry and infrastructure developments,” explains Daniel Maranhao, managing partner at Grant Thornton in Brazil.
The business environment in Brazil can be challenging – for domestic firms as well as those from overseas. Moves have been made in recent years to speed up the process of setting up a new entity, Daniel says, but it remains a lengthy and bureaucratic process.
Likewise, although attempts have been made to simplify a highly complex tax system, there is still considerable progress to be made. Corporate Income taxes in Brazil are relatively high by international standards with a main rate of 34%, although small businesses pay only half this. Operating costs are relatively low though, with competitive salaries and a favourable exchange rate.
Unsurprisingly for a country of Brazil’s size – the fifth largest in the world – the state of local infrastructure varies significantly from region to region. “São Paulo, for example, is the financial centre of Brazil so the infrastructure in São Paulo state is good,” Daniel points out. “But in more remote areas it can be much more of a challenge to move goods.”
This is an issue that should be borne in mind by companies looking to set up new agriculture operations, say, in undeveloped areas. But it also means that there are excellent opportunities in infrastructure projects – with potential to develop roads, rail networks and power grids in much of the country.
Another issue facing overseas businesses that want to make the kind of ongoing investments needed in major infrastructure projects relates to the long-term guarantees of market access from the government. “Not only can the approvals process take a long time, there can also be uncertainty over whether future regimes will allow you to continue operating on pre-existing terms,” Daniel explains. “A lack of adequate legal protection does not help.”
As such, it makes sense for outside investors to work in collaboration with local companies – a strategy that can also help foreign investors cope better with the bureaucratic and cultural differences related to operating in Brazil. “As a result of the pandemic, there is likely to be an increase in the number of acquisition opportunities as we move ahead,” he adds.
Daniel says that aside from agriculture and infrastructure, there are growth opportunities in healthcare and health insurance in particular as the government tries to shift the burden of health coverage to the private sector.
“The government is also looking for outside help with renewable energy,” he points out. “There are concerns about the country’s hydro-electric system which has suffered recently due to drought.”
The banking and financial industries, meanwhile, are well developed and there is a rapidly growing fintech sector.
Irrespective of the industry you operate in, Brazil can be an attractive and welcoming place to live with thriving expat communities in the more prosperous parts of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Access a world of resources, connections and expertise to help your international plans
Selling into, supplying or setting up operations in Brazil can be a step into the unknown. At Grant Thornton, we have the experience to guide you. Our Brazil International Business Centre director can co-ordinate access to international teams, resources and global delivery, while also helping you forge valuable trading relationships in the Brazilian market.
Daniel Maranhão
International Business Centre Director
Grant Thornton Brazil
T +55 11 2886-5100
E daniel.maranhao@br.gt.com
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