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