Itaqui Port gaining strength as portal for grain exports and fertilizer imports

The Port of Itaqui is consolidating itself as the portal for exports of grain produced in the Northern Arc region of Brazil and is also gaining strength as a gateway for fertilizers produced in this region. In the first quarter of 2020, the handling of grains (corn, soybeans and soybean meal) by Itaqui grew 30% in relation to the same period in 2019. Shipments of soybeans alone reached 1.6 million tons. According to ANEC (National Association of Grain Exporters), this represents 7.4% of the total amount of soybeans (21.5 million tons) shipped in Brazil in the first quarter of this year.

According to the president of Itaqui Port, Ted Lago, the forecast is to close 2020 with 15 million tons of grain handled. This expectation is likely to be fulfilled despite the global crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, because of the lower freight cost due to the shorter distances between Itaqui and the production zones compared to ports in the Southeast region, and demand that remains firm.

Along with the increase in grain exports, imports of fertilizers are also growing, closing the logistic equation of this production chain. In the first quarter alone, the movement of fertilizers by Itaqui grew 102%, and the trend is also to keep growing.  This is because Itaqui is well placed to handle imports for the same reasons as exports.  Moreover, the inauguration of a new fertilizer terminal, at an investment of R$130 million by Companhia Operadora do Porto do Itaqui (Copi), will increase capacity to receive such imports to 3.5 million tons per year by 2024.

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