Maritime terminals account for 97.2% of Brazil’s trade logistics in 2024

Brazilian ports solidified their position as facilitators of foreign trade in 2024, accounting for 97.2% of the total export and import volumes. In FOB (Free On Board) value terms, their share reached 82.1%, underscoring the vital role of maritime transport in the national economy. According to a study by the Research and Development Division of the Private Port Terminals Brazilian Association (ATP), released on Wednesday (Jan. 8), these figures highlight the strategic importance of port terminals in connecting Brazil to global markets.

The ATP’s report revealed that maritime trade stood at $492.5 billion in 2024, reflecting a 2.24% increase compared to 2023. However, Brazil’s maritime trade balance shrank by 12.9% year-over-year, pressured by rising imports and declining average prices of key commodities such as soybeans (-16.5%), mineral fuels (-4.07%), and ores (-3.06%). These trends mirror global market fluctuations and the challenges the export sector faces.

Coffee and Pulp Drive Significant Growth

On the other hand, some Brazilian products stood out on the international stage. Coffee exports, for instance, posted an impressive 52.7% growth in FOB value, driven by ramped-up volume and average prices. Pulp also delivered strong results, with a 34.8% rise in FOB value, further solidifying its status as one of Brazil’s top export items.

The chart below provides an overview of month-over-month pulp exports from January 2021 to November 2024. The data comes from Datamar’s DataLiner.

Cellulose Paste Exports | Jan 2021 – Nov 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

According to ATP President Murillo Barbosa, the data underscores the centrality of port terminals to Brazil’s economic performance, especially in a year marked by challenges and shifts in global trade dynamics.

“To sustain this leadership, continuous investments in infrastructure and efficiency will be essential, ensuring that Brazil maintains its competitiveness and seizes new opportunities in international markets,” Barbosa stated.

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