Brazil’s waterway sector achieved a historic milestone in the first six months of 2023, handling over 616 million tons, marking a 2.4% increase from the 601.4 million tons during the same period in 2021.
The performance from January to June 2023 reflects a 6.38% jump from 2022, with March and May posting significant monthly growths of 11.7% and 11%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
Iron Ore, Crude Oil, and Soybeans primarily contributed to this surge.
Specifically, 172.8 million tons of iron ore (up by 6.73%), 103.7 million tons of crude oil (13.28% increase), and 87.8 million tons of soybeans (a 21.6% increase from the same period last year) were transported.
Another commodity worth noting is corn, which displayed a robust 40.7% growth compared to H1 2022, accounting for 13.28 million tons.
Exports Overview
Brazil exported 349.2 million tons from January to June, a 9.4% rise from the previous year.
Bulk commodities comprised the majority of exports – 79% as solid bulks and 10% as liquid bulks.
Also, Brazil exported 2.5 million tons of frozen poultry during this period, which was a 9% growth.
Most of these exports (around 89%) were routed through southern ports, with Paranaguá being a key player, shipping 1.2 million tons of poultry.
Navigation Insights
Long-distance navigation transported 427.3 million tons in 2023, a 7.02% growth from the previous year.
Coastal shipping saw a modest 1.36% growth, moving 142.1 million tons. Meanwhile, inland navigation rose by 18.76%, handling 45.1 million tons.
However, maritime and port support navigation dipped by 6.08%, totaling 1.6 million tons.
Private Terminals
Private Use Terminals (TUPs) reported 402.7 million tons during H1 2023, a 7.67% growth year-over-year.
A standout was the Tpet/Toil oil terminal in Porto do Açu, Rio de Janeiro, which experienced a whopping 99% growth, moving 26.9 million tons.
The primary cargo was crude oil, mostly destined for China.
Brazil’s waterway sector saw significant growth in H1 2023, backed by key commodities and strategic port operations.
The data reaffirms the country’s position as a vital global trade player.