In the third quarter of 2023, Brazil’s ports achieved a new cargo handling record, moving 348.9 million tons, a 6.9% increase from 2022.
This data comes from the National Waterway Transport Agency’s statistics. So far this year, the record holds strong with 966.3 million tons.
That’s a 5.8% jump from 2021, previously the busiest year. The growth over the same period last year is 6.06%.
Iron ore, crude oil, and corn were the standout movers. Iron ore shipments reached 107.54 million tons, up by 5.82%.
Crude oil also rose, by 15.4%, to 57.3 million tons. Corn shipments saw a big leap, up 18.85% to 31.57 million tons.
Soybeans weren’t left behind, growing nearly 40% to 24.26 million tons.
In maritime transport, deep-sea cargo grew by 7.95%, moving 252.6 million tons. Coastal shipping inched up by 1.94%, with a movement of 73.82 million tons.
Inland waterway traffic also increased by 12.63%, reaching 21.6 million tons. Support and port-related maritime activities jumped by 21.3%, totaling 850 thousand tons.
ANTAQ is keeping an eye on potential impacts from a drought in the Northern region, especially the Amazon.
Private use terminals (TUP) saw 228.7 million tons, 8.25% more than last year’s third quarter. The Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal stood out with over 49 million tons, a 2.3% increase.
Tpet/Toil of Açu, in Rio de Janeiro, saw the biggest percentage increase among TUPs. It grew by 37.67%, moving 16.36 million tons.
Remarkable Resilience
Public ports handled 120.2 million tons, 4.48% more than last year. Santos led the charge with over 37 million tons, up by 10.4%. Santos was responsible for 30.8% of all public port traffic.
Paranaguá and Itaguaí ports followed, with 15.57 and 15.9 million tons, respectively. They saw increases of 10.7% and 8.63% compared to last year.
Brazil’s ports are now navigating the waves of global trade with record-breaking prowess.
This upswing in port activity places Brazil firmly on the maritime map, showing remarkable resilience and growth in the face of global challenges.