Economy of Sao Paulo

São Paulo’s economy is very diverse.

The metropolitan region forms the largest industrial and commercial center in Brazil and in Latin America.

While precise statistical estimates vary, it is likely that about one-half of the nation’s industrial output comes directly from the São Paulo metropolitan area.

In some sectors this concentration is even greater: The state accounts for over three-quarters of the country’s output of machinery, electrical goods, and rubber.

Well over half of the nation’s 50 largest industrial firms are located in São Paulo state, and most of these are located in the city itself.

Its manufactures include a diverse range of products and goods. Heavy industry includes motor vehicles, machinery, electrical equipment, computers, and chemicals, while consumer goods include textiles, processed food, pottery and china, furniture, and household utensils.

This industrial concentration was even more intense in past decades, but the decentralization of industrial activities to other urban centers in São Paulo state, like Campinas, Sorocaba, Jundiaí, Cubatão, and Ribeirão Prêto, has reduced the metropolitan region’s dominance.

Commercial activities, including banking, finance, and corporate headquarters functions, are clustered in the São Paulo urban area.

The city is often the site of major commercial and industrial trade shows.

These draw national and international participants and are held in the massive Anhembi Park Exposition Center.

The city also serves a rich agricultural hinterland, one of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation. Soybeans and especially coffee are of great commercial significance.

The city’s economic importance has also made it a national transportation hub.

The port of Santos, about 60 km (about 40 mi) to the south on the Atlantic Ocean, is the nation’s largest port.

Most of São Paulo’s international commerce, as well as an important segment of internal commerce, moves through it.

The port is linked to the city by two highways and a railroad line. São Paulo has a total of four railroad stations that provide service to both regional and national destinations.

The city also has three airports: Congonhas, which is located 9 km (6 mi) south of the city center and provides commuter flights to Rio; the Guarulhos International Airport, which is 19 km (12 mi) northeast of the downtown area; and the Viracopos Airport, located about 100 km (about 60 mi) northwest of the city.

The city has an extensive subway, with three lines providing service to most of the core area of the metropolis.