ANTAQ halts collection of Low Water Surcharge on container shipping to and from Manaus

The National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ) has suspended, in an ad referendum decision, the collection of the Low Water Surcharge—known as the “drought fee”—on maritime container transport operations originating in or destined for Manaus (AM).

The Board of Directors found that the measure, adopted last year, was no longer necessary, as the region did not face severe drought conditions this year. Technical studies by the Geological Survey of Brazil, commissioned by ANTAQ, project historically common minimum levels through the end of 2025.

The decision protects the end consumer, reducing the economic impact on the logistics chain and the costs of products reaching Brazilian households, while mitigating the effects on the Manaus Free Trade Zone and preventing possible abuses in charging the fee.

ANTAQ’s actions are guided by protecting user interests, especially regarding the quality and availability of transport, as well as the impact of freight on final product prices. In this way, the Agency ensures adequate service provision and guarantees a fair tariff for all parties involved.

With the suspension, the Agency also determined that the fee will be applied only if Rio Negro levels reach 17.7 meters or lower by the end of 2026, upon proof of the need for collection.

Source: Informativo dos Portos

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