Growth in foreign trade confirms São José dos Campos as an industrial and technological hub with global reach.
The growth of foreign trade in São José dos Campos consolidates a movement that goes far beyond the numbers.
Between January and June 2026, the municipality exported US$1,521 billion , compared to US$1,408 billion in the same period of 2025, according to Invest SJC's Data Hub . The result represents an increase of approximately 8,1%.
This performance follows an already impressive trend: in 2025, exports from São José dos Campos totaled US$4,061 billion , a growth of 10,4% compared to 2024, according to the SJC City Hall.
More than just an economic indicator, this result is concrete evidence of the city's industrial maturity. São José dos Campos exports engineering, technology, and high value-added production capacity.
What does the growth in exports reveal about São José dos Campos?
Exporting is one of the most concrete ways to measure a territory's competitiveness. When a city sustains consistent growth in foreign trade, such as São José dos Campos , it demonstrates three attributes that are difficult to replicate:
- Stable production capacity;
- High technical standard;
- Integration into demanding international supply chains.
The 8,1% jump in the first half of 2026 confirms a trajectory: that of an industry in São José dos Campos capable of sustained growth even in competitive international markets.
A city that exports technology, engineering, and added value.
The highlight of São José dos Campos' export agenda in the first half of 2026 was concentrated on products related to the aerospace sector , such as aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, satellites, and related items.
Next comes the segment of electrical equipment for telephony and telecommunications . This composition says a lot about the type of economy that São José dos Campos has built.
This is not about trade based on commodities or low-complexity products, but about industrial exports with high technological content, the type of product that requires precision engineering, rigorous quality control, and compliance with international standards.
The role of the aerospace ecosystem in SJC's international presence.
The city's export strength is directly connected to its aerospace hub, São José dos Campos , consolidated over decades of investment in science, industry, and technical training.
Embraer 's presence , combined with Akaer 's operations , sustains a mature aerospace production chain, supported by research centers such as ITA , DCTA , and INPE.
This combination forms the technical backbone that makes it possible to export highly complex products on a regular basis.
In highly complex sectors, exporting requires engineering, precision, and professionals prepared to operate within global supply chains. This is one of the structural advantages of São José dos Campos.
Global companies validate the city's competitiveness.
Export performance is also supported by the consolidated presence of global companies in São José dos Campos , including General Motors , Ericsson , Eaton , Panasonic , Ball Corporation , and Kenvue.
The continued presence of these operations in the city, some for decades, demonstrates that São José dos Campos possesses the infrastructure, qualified suppliers, skilled workforce, and competitive regulatory environment necessary to support complex international operations.
Understand more:
United States, Europe and North America: the connection with demanding markets
In the first half of 2026, the United States was the main destination for exports from São José dos Campos, with US$906,7 million . Luxembourg , Mexico , and Canada followed.
This distribution reinforces the presence of the São José dos Campos industry in markets in North America and Europe, economies that impose rigorous technical and regulatory standards.
Maintaining commercial relevance in these destinations is, in itself, an indicator of industrial quality.
Why do exports matter to companies considering investing in SJC?
For an investor evaluating where to establish or expand an operation, foreign trade data from São José dos Campos serve as a predictive indicator. They show:
- A mature and internationally tested production chain;
- Qualified suppliers integrated into the local industry;
- Technical workforce with experience in global standards;
- Operating environment already validated by multinational companies;
- Active connection with relevant international markets.
When industry, engineering, logistics, and innovation come together, a city ceases to be merely a productive location and becomes a global business platform.
Why bring your company to São José dos Campos?
Companies seeking to compete globally need an ecosystem capable of sustaining quality, innovation, and scale. São José dos Campos offers this combination through:
- High value-added industry, with a strong aerospace and technological presence.
- Strategic location on the Rio-São Paulo axis, favoring the Logistics in São José dos Campos.
- Proximity to research centers such as ITA, DCTA, and INPE.
- Consolidated history of operations of global companies.
- Proven experience in exporting to demanding markets.
These factors make SJC a benchmark among Brazilian cities prepared to support the aerospace industry in Brazil and industrial operations of international standard.
São José dos Campos as a platform for global business.
The growth in exports from São José dos Campos is part of a larger narrative. The city is consolidating its position as one of the most prepared industrial bases in the country for companies seeking to invest there.
Industry, technology, engineering, and international connectivity go hand in hand in a territory that has already demonstrated, with data, its ability to compete globally.
Invest SJC: Connecting Exports and Investment
Foreign trade figures demonstrate the competitiveness of São José dos Campos, but transforming this performance into an investment decision requires institutional connections.
That's the role of Invest SJC : to act as a bridge between the city's industrial and technological ecosystem and companies evaluating where to establish, expand, or connect their global operations.
The platform brings together strategic information on industry, exports, priority sectors, and infrastructure, as well as direct institutional support for investors seeking to understand, in practice, how to access the São José dos Campos ecosystem.
Those who already export engineering, technology, and high value-added products to markets such as the United States and Europe have, in Invest SJC, the channel to take the next step.
Get to know Invest SJC and discover why São José dos Campos is an ecosystem prepared for companies seeking industry, technology, export, and global connectivity. Talk to our team.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the growth of foreign trade in São José dos Campos
Because they demonstrate the city's ability to produce high value-added goods, compete in international markets, and sustain a skilled industrial and technological base.
The aerospace sector has a strong presence, with products related to aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, satellites, and other items of high technological complexity.
In the first half of 2026, the United States was the top destination, with US$906,7 million , followed by Luxembourg, Mexico, and Canada.
They indicate that the city has a competitive industry, a skilled workforce, a mature production chain, and an active connection with demanding global markets.
Because the city brings together advanced industry, skilled engineering, global companies, innovation, strategic logistics, and proven experience in international trade.
