Port of Paranaguá: Brazil’s Leading Export Hub for Vegetable Oil and Frozen Chicken

In 2024, the Port of Paranaguá led Brazil in handling vegetable oil, frozen chicken, and fertilizers. According to Comex Stat data, the first two commodities dominated exports, while fertilizers topped the list of imports at the Paraná port.

“We work with logistical intelligence and cutting-edge investments to meet market demand and boost port operations in Paraná,” explained Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of Portos do Paraná.

The public pier accounted for 53.3% of total operations for liquid bulk cargo. Regarding frozen chicken, transport is carried out in temperature-controlled containers (reefers) in an area with 5,268 power outlets—the largest reefer yard in South America.

The following chart shows the pattern of poultry meat exports recorded at the Port of Paranagua between January 2021 and December 2024, according to data from DataLiner.

Poultry Meat Exports | Paranaguá Port | Jan 2021 – Dec 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

“We are investing in various types of cargo, especially those with the highest market demand. Currently, the Port of Paranaguá has three dedicated berths for handling fertilizers. When scheduling allows, other berths also accommodate vessels carrying this type of cargo,” highlighted Gabriel Vieira, Operations Director at Portos do Paraná.

Multipurpose Cargo Operations

The diverse range of commodities passing through Paraná’s ports contributed to the port’s national leadership in these segments and a new handling record in 2024, of the 66,769,001 tons exported and imported through Paranaguá and Antonina, a significant portion comprised sugar, fertilizers, grains, and containers.

“Paraná’s ports serve as multipurpose corridors, ensuring continuous operations and preventing seasonal productivity declines,” Garcia emphasized. The ability to handle a variety of products helped offset a drop in soybean and corn shipments, partly driven by less attractive international prices for producers.

Despite this, grains maintained their prominence. Wheat and barley saw a 76% increase in grain handling compared to the previous period. Barley imports, for instance, surpassed a 40% market share. Compared to 2023, barley handling at the Port of Paranaguá surged by 168%, while wheat volumes increased by 157%.

As a key export corridor, Portos do Paraná facilitated the shipment of 6,412,716 tons of bulk sugar—a 17% increase from the previous year. Bagged sugar exports reached 846,305 tons, marking a 43% rise compared to 2023.

Containerized cargo also saw impressive growth, with a 19% increase in exports—driven mainly by frozen poultry shipments—and a 35% rise in imports, particularly in plastics and other goods.

Infrastructure and Investments

The current infrastructure at Paraná’s ports, along with continuous investments, allows for diversified operations and maintains cargo flow throughout the year—unlike in the past.

“We operate with a high-productivity logistics strategy and major investments. In 2024 alone, over BRL 185 million was allocated to infrastructure, equipment maintenance, and new projects,” Garcia noted.

2,724 vessel dockings were recorded at Paranaguá and Antonina in 2024, a 4% increase from the 2,620 ships handled in 2023. Another significant figure is the number of railcars: 278,353 accessed the ports, compared to 275,720 in the previous year. Meanwhile, 392,214 trucks passed through the port’s sorting yard.

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