Container throughput hits new records at the Port of Santos in July

Container movement at the Port of Santos increased in July, setting a new monthly record for the second consecutive month, according to data from the Santos Port Authority (APS). A total of 534,700 TEUs were handled—an 8.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date, the port has handled 3.3 million TEUs, representing a 7.9% increase from the first seven months of 2024.

According to APS President Anderson Pomini, the results partly reflect a rise in exports due to the new tariffs imposed by the United States, as well as the efficiency of the Port of Santos. “This marks 21 consecutive months of growth—figures that clearly demonstrate the Port’s resilience and the importance of the initiatives we’re developing to increase capacity,” he said.

Among these initiatives are the expansion of the port’s administrative boundary (Poligonal), deepening of the navigation channel to 16 meters, the auction of the Tecon 10 terminal, and the construction of the Santos-Guarujá tunnel, which will enhance integration between the two sides of the Port.

The number of vessel calls rose from 477 in July 2024 to 499 in July 2025.

Cargo volumes

In terms of total cargo handled in the month, there was a 6.1% increase, with a record 17.4 million tonnes moved—making it the best month in the port’s history. In July 2024, by comparison, 16.4 million tonnes were handled.

Soy complex products (grains and meal) were once again the highlight, with 4.6 million tonnes shipped—a 39.3% increase year-over-year.

Pulp was another notable commodity, with 836,000 tonnes moved (+26.5%). In the fuel sector, fuel oil stood out with 290,000 tonnes handled, a 12.4% increase.

Imports

As for imports, the Port of Santos saw a 1.4% increase in July, rising from 4.4 million tonnes in July 2024 to 4.5 million tonnes in July 2025.

Total cargo handled at the Port of Santos in 2025, including exports and imports, showed a slight positive variation of 0.1%, reaching 105.7 million tonnes.

Below is a historical overview of long-haul container throughput at the Port of Santos from January 2022 to June 2025. The chart excludes internal operations, transshipment, and cabotage, and was compiled using DataLiner data:

Long-haul container throughput at the Port of Santos | Jan 2022 to Jun 2025 | TEU

Movimentação de Contêineres via Porto de Santos - Jan 2022 a Jun 2025 - TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Foreign trade

The Port of Santos’ share of Brazil’s foreign trade rose in July, reaching 30%. In the same period in 2024, the figure stood at 28.6%.

China remains Brazil’s top trading partner, accounting for 30.3% of transactions through the Port of Santos. The state of São Paulo is the leading origin of cargo operations, representing 51.4%.

Port of Itajaí

The Port of Itajaí (SC), also managed by the Santos Port Authority, recorded an increase in cargo throughput in July. More than 1.3 million tonnes of goods passed through the port, a 29.3% rise compared to the same month in 2024.

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