Brazilian port movement reached a new historic milestone in 2024, with 1,3 billion tons handled, according to data from the National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ). The volume represents an increase of 1,2% compared to 2023, the year that had already set the previous record.
Although solid bulk cargo remains the predominant cargo profile (60% of the total), containerized cargo was the main driver of the growth. After two consecutive years of decline, the segment showed significant growth of 20% in 2024, totaling 153 million tons – equivalent to 12% of national movement.
Public ports stood out in container movement, with a 28% increase compared to 2023, totaling 100 million tons (65% of the containerized volume). The Port of Santos (SP) leads with 28% of the total, followed by Paranaguá (PR), with 10%. In terms of relative growth, the ports of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Salvador (BA) stood out: the former handled 12 million tons (+60%), and the latter, 5 million tons (+37%).
The expansion of containerized cargo is linked to the diversification of transported commodities, such as cotton (+91%), coffee (+30%) and organic and inorganic chemicals, with increases of 44% and 30%, respectively. In Brazil, the main goods transported via containers include plastics and their products (11%), organic chemicals (10%), as well as iron and steel, frozen poultry meat and wood products, each representing 5% of the total.
Regarding Brazil's waterway transport modes, long-haul shipping – between ports in different countries –, responsible for 68% of total containerized cargo, remains predominant. However, cabotage – shipping between ports on the Brazilian coast –, with a share of 30%, recorded the greatest growth: 27% compared to 17% for international transport. Inland navigation (on waterways) completes the scenario, with 1% of container movement.
For the future, ANTAQ projects continued growth, with 1,34 billion tons in 2025 and 1,39 billion in 2026. The expectation is that demand for commodities and the expansion of container use will sustain the upward trajectory, even in a challenging global macroeconomic scenario.
References:
- Waterway Statistician 2023
- Movement in ports in the country breaks record in 2024 | Companies | Valor Econômico
- Brazilian ports record highest movement in history with 1,32 billion tons in 2024 — Ports and Airports
