We export to Brazil from East Africa for steel mills, aluminium producers, food processors and distributors. Kilima Commodities Ltd ships from Dar es Salaam and Mombasa to Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Paranaguá and Itajaí, quotes CIF to your port, and prepares documents that match what your customs broker files in Siscomex.
Why Brazilian buyers source from East Africa
Brazil is one of the world’s largest steel and aluminium producers, and its mills need a steady supply of alloying metals. Brazil imported about US$80 million of manganese in 2023, which made it the world’s tenth-largest importer of the metal (OEC data). Most of that supply comes from a single region in Asia, so a second source in East Africa gives Brazilian buyers better negotiating power and less risk when freight or export rules change.
East Africa and Brazil are also linked by direct and transhipment container services through South Africa and the Indian Ocean hubs, so a full container from Dar es Salaam usually reaches Santos in roughly five to seven weeks, depending on the line and the connection.
What we supply to Brazil
- Manganese metal briquettes — Mn 95% and 97% min, the main product we offer Brazilian steel and aluminium plants. Classified in Brazil under NCM 8111.00.10.
- Copper cathode — Grade A electrolytic cathode for wire, rod and alloy makers.
- Copper scrap and aluminium scrap — for secondary smelters and foundries.
- Sesame seeds, cloves, black pepper and other spices — for food processors and packers.
- Cashew kernels — for snack and confectionery producers.
Manganese metal briquettes for Brazilian mills
Manganese metal briquettes are compressed manganese metal used to add manganese to liquid steel and to aluminium alloys. Steelmakers use them in stainless steels of the 200 series and in high-strength grades; aluminium plants use them in can-stock and other 3000-series alloys. We supply 95% and 97% min grades in one-tonne bags, with a certificate of analysis for every lot and independent sampling at loading by SGS or another company you nominate.
A 20ft container carries about 25 tonnes of briquettes, which is the usual trial order. Regular buyers can contract monthly or quarterly shipments at a price linked to the market. See the full manganese metal briquettes specification.
Importing into Brazil: what your team needs
Every commercial importer in Brazil needs a RADAR registration from the Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal), which gives access to Siscomex, the single window where imports are declared. Some products also need an import licence before they are shipped, so check the administrative treatment for your NCM code before you sign the contract.
- Before shipment: confirm the NCM code, any import licence (LI) and the taxes that apply. Import duty follows the Mercosur common external tariff, and IPI, PIS, COFINS and ICMS are also due on import.
- Documents we provide: commercial invoice and packing list (with NCM codes on request), bill of lading, certificate of origin, certificate of analysis, weight certificate and inspection report.
- For food products: a phytosanitary certificate, and, where Brazil’s agriculture ministry (MAPA) requires it, registration of the product and importer.
We work with your customs broker (despachante aduaneiro) and send draft documents before shipment so that the declaration can be prepared in advance.
Price terms and payment
We quote CIF Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Paranaguá or Itajaí, or FOB Dar es Salaam or Mombasa if you prefer to book your own freight. Payment is usually by irrevocable letter of credit at sight, or a deposit with the balance against copy documents. Read EXW, FOB or CIF explained and our trade terms.
Start with a trial container
Most Brazilian buyers begin with one container and independent inspection, then move to a regular programme. Tell our trade desk the product, grade, quantity, port and delivery month, and we will reply with availability and a CIF price. You can also browse the full product catalog or our other export markets.