In early 2024, the bustling Port of Santos in southeast Brazil, not only the largest in Latin America but also a vital hub for Brazilian commerce, marked a significant milestone.
This maritime gateway saw a 15.9% surge in cargo traffic during the first quarter, processing an impressive 42.3 million tons.
The Santos Port Authority announced these robust figures on Tuesday, highlighting the continued expansion and modernization of this crucial port.
China, maintaining its role as Brazil’s principal trading partner since 2009, received the majority of these exports.
Specifically, 16.6% of Brazil’s foreign trade, funneled through this port, was destined for Chinese markets.
The increase was particularly notable in March 2024, when cargo volumes peaked at 16 million tons, surpassing the previous March by 5%.
Significant growth in specific commodities drove this record-setting performance.
Sugar exports, for instance, nearly doubled, jumping by 97.8% to reach 6.1 million tons.
Similarly, exports of coffee beans, meat, and soy flour also showed remarkable increases of 49.6%, 22.1%, and 17.3%, respectively.
Anderson Pomini, the President of the Santos Port Authority, pointed out the ongoing investments in the port’s infrastructure.
“We are enhancing our capacity to manage the agricultural harvest,” he stated.
This strategic development aims to meet the growing demands of the international food market.
With 55 dedicated cargo stations, the Port of Santos facilitated 34.5% of Brazil’s total exports in this period.
This port not only serves as a gateway for goods traveling globally but also stands as a testament to Brazil’s thriving agricultural and industrial sectors.