Northern Brazil ports lead national growth in 2025, strengthening Arc of the North corridor

Ports and terminals in northern Brazil posted the fastest growth in the country in 2025, reinforcing the strategic role of the so-called Arc of the North corridor in reshaping the nation’s logistics map.

Data from the Waterway Statistical Panel compiled by Brazil’s National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) show cargo throughput in the region rose 10.33% year over year to 163.3 million metric tons. The increase comfortably outpaced the national average of 6.1%, underscoring a broader shift in Brazil’s export flows.

The Arc of the North — which channels agricultural and mineral exports through ports in the Amazon basin — has emerged as a competitive advantage, lowering logistics costs and easing congestion at traditional gateways in the South and Southeast.

Soybeans were the main driver of growth. The commodity accounted for nearly 30% of total northern port volumes, reaching 48.6 million tons, up 19.24% from 2024.

Datamar data reveals that five of Brazil’s largest soybean export ports are located in the Northern Arc. While the region’s largest—the Port of Vila do Conde—saw a slight year-on-year decline of 1.4%, others, such as Itacoatiara, recorded a 27.5% surge in soybean export volumes.

The following is a ranking of Brazil’s primary soybean export ports in 2025, according to DataLiner data:

Soybean Export Ports | 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Corn shipments followed the upward trend, rising 6.26% to 34.4 million tons. Together, the two grains represented 50.8% of all cargo handled in the region.

Infrastructure Minister Silvio Costa Filho said the results reflect a long-term policy shift. He described the North not as a logistical alternative, but as a new efficiency frontier for Brazil, arguing that faster and lower-cost grain exports enhance the country’s global competitiveness while bringing jobs and investment deeper into the Amazon region.

Growth was not limited to agribusiness and mining. Bauxite volumes totaled 24.8 million tons, while broader indicators point to stronger domestic economic activity in the region.

Containerized cargo climbed 15.28% to 12.1 million tons. Because containers typically carry higher-value goods — including electronics, consumer products, processed foods and industrial inputs — the increase suggests rising industrial output and stronger regional trade flows.

Petroleum and petroleum product shipments rose 15.49% to 13 million tons, reflecting higher demand for fuel to supply transport fleets and industrial operations.

Public and Private Terminals Expand

Among public ports, Santarém, in Pará state, recorded a 13.24% increase in throughput to 18.5 million tons, while Vila do Conde, also in Pará, grew 5.71% to 21.3 million tons.

In the private sector, Hermasa’s grain terminal stood out nationally, with volumes surging 29.9% to 12.2 million tons.

The combined performance highlights growing coordination between public authorities and private operators as northern Brazil consolidates its role as a major export corridor.

Source: Communications Office – Ministry of Ports and Airports

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