Record-Breaking Surge: Containerized Cargo Throughput Hits All-Time High in First Half of the Year

Brazil’s waterborne transport sector grew by 4.28% in the first half of 2024, recording a cargo throughput of some 644.76 million tons, according to data released by the National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ) on Wednesday, August 7. This growth was largely driven by containerized cargo, with solid and liquid bulk also making significant contributions. All three cargo categories achieved their highest levels for the first half of any year since 2010.

In June alone, 119.2 million tons of cargo passed through Brazilian ports, up from 113.8 million tons in June 2023. Noteworthy increases included fertilizers (+17.33%), sugar (+17.22%), and bauxite (+11.79%).

Containerized cargo hit a new record, reaching 73.3 million tons in the first half of 2024—a 22.72% increase compared to the same period last year. Of this total, 49.3 million tons were moved via long-haul, 23.2 million tons by cabotage, and 0.7 million tons by inland navigation and port support. Notably, container cabotage grew by 30.22% year-over-year.

Container Movement Rebounds

Data from the past four years shows a robust recovery in container movement across several Brazilian ports, indicating sustained growth. After two years of decline and stagnation, container traffic has rebounded, surpassing 2021 levels—a year when containerized goods transport was notably high despite the pandemic.

This resurgence aligns with signs of reindustrialization in Brazil. In June, IBGE data showed a 4.1% increase in industrial production, the highest since July 2020 (+9.1%).

Here is a historical comparison of Brazilian container exports for the first half of 2024 and the same months in the previous three years, based on data from DataLiner, Datamar’s market intelligence platform:

Brazilian Container Exports | Jan-Jun 2021 to Jan-Jun 2024 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Below is a comparison of Brazilian imports via containers for the first half of the year over the last four years, according to DataLiner:

Brazilian Container Imports | Jan-Jun 2021 to Jan-Jun 2024 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Data for Policy Formulation

“The Statistical Dashboard provides essential data for those who need this information to formulate public policies, correct course, and further promote the sector,” said ANTAQ’s General Director, Eduardo Nery, during the data release event.

Silvio Costa Filho, the Minister of Ports and Airports, highlighted the crucial role of Brazilian port complexes in driving economic growth. “Brazil is growing again, and we must continue investing in our public ports, improving governance, operational infrastructure, and port intelligence. This will enhance competitiveness and increase operations,” he stated.

Regional Cargo Throughput

In the first half of the year, the Southeast region saw cargo movement reach 322.5 million tons, a 6.1% increase. Key contributors included oil and derivatives (excluding crude oil, +19.62%) and iron ore (+10%).

The Northeast region, accounting for 23.1% of all cargo moved, recorded a 4.1% increase, totaling 149.2 million tons. Iron ore (+6.16%) and oil and derivatives (+2.38%) were the primary drivers.

The South region grew by 4.6%, moving 90.8 million tons. Significant gains were seen in sugar (+77.60%) and soybeans (+18.31%).

The Central-West region, which accounts for just 0.4% of the nation’s total cargo movement, handled 2.7 million tons, a decline of 46.4%. This region has five port facilities.

The North region moved 79.5 million tons, marking a 0.6% increase. Corn (+17.92%) and bauxite (+3.16%) were the standout commodities.

Cargo Profiles

Solid bulk cargo, which makes up 59.4% of all cargo handled by ports, grew by 3.65% compared to the first half of 2023, totaling 383 million tons.

Liquid bulk remained stable with a slight increase of 0.02% year-over-year, while general cargo saw a 2.02% decline during the first six months of 2024.

Shipping Trends

Long-haul cargo throughput reached 452.9 million tons in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 5.69% increase, driven primarily by a 5.78% rise in exports and a 5.30% increase in imports.

Cabotage cargo movement grew by 3.94% year-over-year, totaling 147.7 million tons. Maritime support also saw a 10.61% increase, moving 0.6 million tons.

In contrast, inland navigation saw a 7.47% decline, with 42.6 million tons handled. Port support operations also decreased by 12.67%.

Private Terminals

Private Use Terminals (TUPs) handled 413.2 million tons in the first half of 2024, a 2.12% increase from the same period last year.

The Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal (MA) was the standout among the top five TUPs, recording a 6.47% increase and handling 74.7 million tons.

Public Ports

Public ports handled 231.6 million tons in the first six months of 2024, an 8.37% increase from the same period last year.

The Port of Santos led in cargo throughput, handling 68.6 million tons, an 8.42% increase compared to the first half of 2023. The port accounted for 10.6% of all cargo movement during this period.

Accessing the Statistical Dashboard

ANTAQ’s Statistical Dashboard is accessible via smartphones and tablets and is available on the Agency’s website. The electronic query tool allows users to access data on long-haul, cabotage, inland shipping, and port container throughput.

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