Brazil registered zero direct oil exports to Israel in 2025 in victory for boycott campaign

What Happened

Brazil registered zero direct oil exports to Israel in 2025, according to the National Petroleum Agency's (ANP) 2026 Statistical Yearbook. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement claimed the halt as a victory resulting from grassroots and trade union pressure on the Brazilian government and corporations. BDS noted, however, that while the direct route is closed, oil may still reach Israel via re-exports by third countries, and that 'Brazil's international responsibility stands' under international law if it knowingly contributes to supply. Until mid-2024, Brazil was the fifth-largest crude oil supplier to Israel (9% of imports), and in 2024 it became the fourth-largest exporter, according to Oil Change International. Brazil state oil company Petrobras has repeatedly stated it sells crude only to foreign refineries and does not control final product destinations. In May 2025, two major Brazilian oil worker federations wrote to the government urging an embargo but received no reply. The government of President Lula, which had previously compared Israel's actions to the Nazi extermination of Jews, has since formally backed South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and recalled its ambassador to Israel.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The cessation of direct oil exports represents a material economic pressure point in the Israel–Palestine conflict, signaling potential shifts in international energy trade alignments. Brazil's combination of diplomatic censure (backing South Africa's genocide case, recalling ambassador) and economic distancing could embolden other nations and strengthen the global BDS campaign, even as the practical impact is limited by continued indirect flows through third countries.

Watch For

Monitor whether the Brazilian government responds to the oil workers' federation demands by imposing a formal crude oil embargo. Watch for any changes in Petrobras's sales terms or destination tracking, and for Israel's adjustments in crude sourcing. Also observe any escalation in diplomatic or legal measures by Brazil related to the genocide case or further diplomatic downgrades.