Brazil vs Mexico: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to Brazil and Mexico β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both Brazil and Mexico offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π Brazil South America | π Mexico North America |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 0% (solar panel import duty suspended since 2017) | 0% (duty-free for solar modules under PROSEC) |
| Anti-Dumping | None | None |
| VAT / Sales Tax | ICMS 0-18% (varies by state), PIS/COFINS varies | 16% IVA |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β No |
| Main Ports | Santos, ItajaΓ, Rio Grande, Suape | Manzanillo (Pacific), LΓ‘zaro CΓ‘rdenas, Veracruz (Atlantic), Altamira |
| Typical Lead Time | 40-50 days sea freight from Shanghai | 22-28 days sea freight Pacific route from Shanghai |
| Preferred Incoterms | CIF Santos, CIF ItajaΓ | CIF Manzanillo, DDP Monterrey (for nearshoring projects) |
| Top Brands | JinkoSolar, Canadian Solar (Brazil assembly), BYD, Trina Solar, LONGi | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Canadian Solar, Trina Solar, JA Solar |
| Popular Wattage | 550-580W bifacial (utility), 450-550W (rooftop) | 540-580W bifacial (C&I dominant), 450-550W (distributed generation) |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | Landed CIF Santos TOPCon 560W: ~$0.11-0.13/W (Q1 2026). INMETRO certification lead time 4-6 weeks for new models. | Landed CIF Manzanillo TOPCon 560W: ~$0.10-0.11/W. Nearshoring boosts industrial rooftop demand. |
Regulatory Notes
π Brazil
Brazil is Latin America's largest solar market. Distributed generation (DG) exploded under Law 14.300 (2022). Balance before shipment required (payment risk high for new buyers). ICMS tax benefits in 12 states for solar investments.
π Mexico
Nearshoring boom: US companies relocating manufacturing β huge industrial rooftop solar demand. CFE grid capacity auctions resumed. UL certification preferred (easier for cross-border projects).
JUST SOLAR β Brazil Delivery
JUST SOLAR ships CIF Santos biweekly β full INMETRO certification, balance-before-shipment terms for Brazilian market (no BL copy payments).
JUST SOLAR β Mexico Delivery
JUST SOLAR ships via Manzanillo with UL-certified modules β ideal for US-Mexico border industrial projects.
π Sourcing to both markets?
JUST SOLAR GROUP delivers to 40+ countries worldwide with localized compliance documentation and flexible payment terms.