Port of Itaqui leads growth among Northern Arc ports, boosts Maranhão’s GDP

With strong performance in cargo handling, logistical efficiency, and rail expansion, the Port of Itaqui continues to lead growth among the ports of the Northern Arc. According to data from the National Supply Company (Conab), ports along this logistics corridor accounted for 38.5% of Brazil’s soybean grain exports in the first half of 2025. Of this total, the Port of Itaqui registered the largest volume, with 8.8 million tonnes of soybeans shipped.

Other key ports included Barcarena (PA), with 7.1 million tonnes, Itacoatiara (AM), with 4.6 million tonnes, Santarém (PA), with 2.9 million tonnes, and Salvador (BA), with 2.3 million tonnes. “These figures reflect not only the port’s operational efficiency but also its ability to adapt to market demands and attract new investment,” said acting Port of Itaqui president Isa Mary Mendonça.

These results are helping drive Maranhão’s economic growth. In the first quarter of 2025, the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 1.9% compared to the same period last year, outpacing both the Northeast and national averages. A significant portion of this growth is attributed to the performance of the public port, which broke historical cargo handling records.

According to the Maranhão Institute for Socioeconomic and Cartographic Studies (IMESC), the construction, services, and agribusiness sectors — particularly soy — were the main drivers of GDP expansion. The port plays a fundamental role in this context.

“Today, the Port of Itaqui exports more — led by soybeans — than it imports. This directly contributes to a positive GDP balance,” emphasized Ítalo Ribeiro, special advisor for strategic affairs at the Port of Itaqui.

In 2025, Itaqui recorded its best first half-year in history, handling 17.2 million tonnes of cargo, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Solid bulk cargo led the way, accounting for about 70% of total throughput. Soybeans alone reached over 8 million tonnes — a 10% rise over the previous year.

Below is a historical overview of exports from the Port of Itaqui starting from January 2022. The chart was created using DataLiner data:

Port of Itaqui Exports – Jan 2022 to May 2025 – TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

“This result is the outcome of an economic development policy led by Governor Carlos Brandão, who has prioritized investments in infrastructure and logistics. That planning spans from fostering strategic initiatives to strengthening state institutions,” said Isa Mary Mendonça, acting president of the Port of Itaqui.

Source: Informativo dos Portos

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