Non-vegetable waxes market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-vegetable waxes in Brazil remained stable around 1 738–1 739 t from 2018 to 2019, supported by a growing consumer shift toward natural and bio-based waxes in cosmetics and personal care. This trend was interrupted in 2020–2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused fluctuations in sales and consumption across wax-using industries, leading to a drop in market volume to 1 709 t. A recovery began in 2022, with the market expanding to 1 767 t and further to 1 845 t in 2023, driven by sustained demand for vegan and natural products, which reinforced the replacement of synthetic waxes with beeswax and other natural alternatives.

Supply-side factors contributed to market dynamics throughout the period. The production of beeswax and the extraction of vegetable waxes remained irregular due to seasonal honey yields and environmental conditions such as climate, rainfall, and soil characteristics, affecting availability. Legislative developments also played a role: Brazilian authorities maintained controls over identity and quality standards for animal and vegetable waxes, impacting labeling and commercial requirements. In 2025, the enactment of the National Policy for Sustainable Management of Cerrado Products (Law No. 15,089/2025) directly influenced the production and commercialization of native waxes like carnauba, while the new General Environmental Licensing Law (Law No. 15,190/2025) unified guidelines for industrial operations.

The market’s structure was further shaped by broader industry movements. The rise of certified vegan and organic products in Brazil encouraged demand for natural waxes, while global cost increases for raw materials occasionally constrained growth. Additionally, regulatory updates, such as the extension of plant variety protection to 20 years aligned with UPOV rules, incentivized the development of new wax-producing plant varieties, strengthening domestic supply capabilities.

Production non-vegetable waxes in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil consistently ranked 9th globally in the production of non-vegetable waxes.

Top producers of non-vegetable waxes, 2018-2021

World map of production of non-vegetable waxes, 2018-2021

Brazil's production of non-vegetable waxes grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 1 787 tonnes, representing a 0.8% increase compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports non-vegetable waxes from Brazil

Exports in kind, kg

Brazil's exports of non-vegetable waxes expanded for the third year in a row. In 2021, export volume reached 93 104 kilograms, showing a significant 69.2% rise from the year before. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports surged by 177.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 40.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, kg

During 2018-2021, Japan, the United States, and China were the primary destinations for Brazil's non-vegetable wax exports by volume. Japan accounted for 35.5% of exports, the United States for 32.1%, and China for 18.4%, collectively making up 86.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Brazil exported non-vegetable waxes worth 10 840 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 45.4% year-on-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, export value grew by 74%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 0.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Japan and China dominated Brazil's non-vegetable wax exports by value, together representing 82.4% of total flows, while other partners played a smaller role.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports non-vegetable waxes to Brazil

Imports in kind, kg

Brazil's imports of non-vegetable waxes rose for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume stood at 14 760 kilograms, up 47.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 53%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 303 kilograms, with the largest decline that year at 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, France and the United States were the main sources of Brazil's non-vegetable wax imports by volume. France contributed 67.7% of total flows, and the United States 14.3%, together accounting for 82.0% of imports, with other partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Brazil's imports of non-vegetable waxes rebounded. In 2021, imports totaled approximately 104 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 57.5% increase from the previous year. However, between 2018 and 2021, import value decreased by 3.4%, translating to an annualized rate of -1.2%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 66 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop in 2019 at 27.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, India, the United States, and France were the key sources for Brazil's non-vegetable wax imports by value. India accounted for 28.4% of imports, the United States for 22.8%, and France for 21.8%, collectively representing 73.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021