Cargo throughput at Brazil’s private ports up 13.6% in October

Cargo throughput at private ports in Brazil, also known as private-use terminals (TUPs) reached 78.7 million tonnes in October 2025, up 13.6% from the same month a year earlier. The standout performer was Porto Chibatão, in Manaus, which posted a 322.6% surge in volumes, according to data from the National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ) compiled by the Brazilian Association of Private Port Terminals (ATP).

The strong October performance broadly reflected gains across different cargo segments handled by private terminals. Dry bulk throughput totaled 47.5 million tonnes, up 15.7% year on year, while liquid bulk reached 23.1 million tonnes, a 16.7% increase. Containerized cargo also rose 12% to 5.1 million tonnes, underscoring the strategic role of private terminals in cargo flows and Brazil’s logistics network.

Within this context, ATP member Porto Chibatão posted particularly strong results, handling 725,500 tonnes in October, well above the volume recorded in the same period of the previous year.

According to the Chibatão Group, the growth is directly linked to the normalization of hydrological conditions in northern Brazil. In October 2024, operations were still affected by a severe drought, which required contingency measures such as using the Chibatão pier in Itacoatiara as an alternative logistics option, along with draft restrictions and reduced operating capacity.

“With the gradual recovery of river levels in 2025, it was possible to fully restore regular operations across the port complex, ensuring greater predictability, increased berthing capacity and the resumption of cargo flows that had been partially suspended or rerouted in the previous period. This scenario, combined with operational adjustments and the rebuilding of the cargo base, resulted in the growth seen in throughput,” the Chibatão Group said.

Beyond Porto Chibatão, other private ports in Brazil also posted significant growth in October. Terminal Fronteira Norte recorded a 285.0% increase, while the Barcarena Bulk Terminal registered a 217.5% rise in cargo throughput, reinforcing the positive environment among authorized private terminals.

ATP President Murillo Barbosa said the results highlight the importance of TUPs to Brazil’s port system, foreign trade and the broader economy. “The performance seen in October reinforces the strategic role of private-use terminals in national port operations, particularly due to their operational flexibility and the diversity of cargo profiles they handle. The strong showing by Porto Chibatão and other members demonstrates how private-sector participation contributes to strengthening Brazil’s logistics chain,” Barbosa said.

Source: ATP

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