Brazilian Ports Hit Record 104 Million Tons in January 2026
Brazil’s maritime sector achieved a significant milestone in January 2026, with total port traffic reaching 104 million tons. This represents a record 12.8% increase compared to the same month in 2025, according to data from the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (Antaq). While growth was felt nationwide, the Northern region emerged as the primary engine of this expansion, signaling a structural shift in how the country moves its most valuable commodities.
- National Volume: 104 million tons handled, a 12.8% year-on-year increase.
- Northern Region Growth: Cargo throughput rose by 42.11% to reach 11.5 million tonnes.
- Primary Drivers: Soybeans (up 192.47%) and corn (up 112.17%) dominated the Northern growth.
- Coastal Shipping: Transport between ports in the North moved 1.85 million tons, up 5.8%.
Northern Brazil: The New Strategic Axis
Northern Brazil outperformed all other regions in the country, recording the strongest growth in January 2026. The region handled 11.5 million tonnes of cargo, a surge of 42.11% from January 2025. This growth is largely attributed to the diversification of cargo corridors and a strategic move toward international markets.
Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho noted that this performance reflects a structural shift in Brazil’s logistics network. He emphasized that the region is consolidating itself as a strategic axis for economic development by offering greater efficiency, lower logistics costs, and closer proximity to global markets.
The Commodity Surge: Soy and Corn
Agricultural exports were the primary catalysts for the North’s record-breaking month. Solid bulk cargo reached 8.4 million tonnes, marking a 53.23% increase. Two commodities, in particular, accounted for more than 40% of all cargo handled in the region:
- Soybeans: Throughput reached 2.2 million tonnes, an explosive increase of 192.47%.
- Corn: Totaled 2.6 million tonnes, representing a gain of 112.17%.
Other significant shipments included bauxite, which rose 21% to reach 2.2 million tonnes.
Analyzing Coastal Shipping and Regional Distribution
Beyond international exports, transport between Brazilian ports—known as coastal shipping—showed steady growth. In the North region, this activity moved 1.85 million tons of cargo in January 2026, a 5.8% increase over the previous year.
The distribution of this internal traffic was led by two key states:
- Amazonas: Recorded the highest volume with 1.29 million tons.
- Pará: Handled 552,300 tons.
These goods are primarily distributed to ports in the northeast and southeast regions, which serve as critical consumption and redistribution hubs. Minister of Ports and Airports Tomé Franca stated that coastal shipping is continuing to gain ground as an efficient solution for domestic cargo transportation.
Breakdown of Inter-Port Cargo (North Region)
The National Agency for Waterway Transportation reported a diverse mix of essential materials moved via coastal shipping in January:
| Product | Volume (Tons) |
|---|---|
| Bauxite | 875,100 |
| Containers | 576,900 |
| Petroleum Derivatives | 293,700 |
| Petroleum | 69,300 |
| Cement | 18,900 |
| Petroleum Gas | 16,900 |
National Port Outlook
The overall health of the Brazilian port system remains robust. Of the 104 million tons moved nationwide in January, public ports were responsible for 35.5 million tons. The rise in containerized cargo—which grew by 31.14% in the North alone to reach 1.1 million tonnes—indicates a broader trend toward modernized shipping methods across the country.
As Brazil continues to diversify its export routes and leverage its northern waterways, the reliance on traditional southern corridors is expected to balance out, reducing overall logistics costs and increasing the speed of delivery to international markets.