Cargo throughput at Port of Imbituba surpasses 3.29 million tonnes through May

Between January and May, the Port Complex of Imbituba handled more than 3.29 million tonnes of cargo and welcomed 145 vessels. In May alone, the port handled 637,000 tonnes of cargo and received 27 vessels, highlighting the growing pace of operations and reinforcing its position as a strategic logistics hub in southern Brazil.

Imports accounted for 44.6% of total cargo handled, reaching 1.46 million tonnes in the first five months of the year, a 7.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The main imported commodities included thermal coal, salt, petroleum coke, and other industrial inputs, reflecting the port’s diverse supply chain.

Exports represented 40.9% of total cargo throughput, totaling 1.3 million tonnes—up 12.5% year-on-year. The main export commodities included calcined petroleum coke, non-calcined petroleum coke, and corn meal.

Container throughput data obtained by Datamar shows that the Port of Imbituba remains heavily concentrated on logistics links with other countries in the Americas, especially Colombia and the United States. The chart below shows the 10 countries that sent or received the most containers through the Port of Imbituba in the first four months of 2026, according to Datamar:

Top Trading Partners | Imbituba | Jan-Apr 2026 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Coastal shipping, which refers to domestic maritime transport between Brazilian ports, accounted for 10% of cargo handled between January and May 2026, while transshipment operations within the Port of Imbituba represented 4.5% of the total volume.

According to Santa Catarina’s Secretary of Ports, Airports and Railways, Ivan Amaral, the results reflect efficient management and continued investments in the state’s logistics infrastructure.

“The results achieved by the Port of Imbituba demonstrate Santa Catarina’s ability to plan and implement public policies focused on logistics development. We are strengthening a modern, efficient infrastructure capable of meeting the growing demands of domestic and international trade, enhancing the state’s competitiveness and attracting new investments,” Amaral said.

Dry bulk cargo continued to dominate operations at Imbituba, totaling 2.4 million tonnes in the year-to-date and representing 74% of overall throughput. The main commodities included petroleum coke, thermal coal, bulk sugar, salt, and corn meal.

Meanwhile, the container segment maintained its growth trajectory, accounting for 20.9% of total cargo throughput, or 687,700 tonnes. The increase reflects a growing share of higher-value-added cargo and greater diversification of the port’s operations. General cargo also posted a solid performance, exceeding 147,000 tonnes and accounting for 4.5% of total volume handled.

According to Christiano Lopes, CEO of the Ports of Imbituba and Laguna, the results point to a sustainable growth cycle.

“The performance indicators recorded in 2026 are the result of continuous efforts in modernization, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. We remain committed to expanding port capacity, investing in technological solutions, and adopting sustainable practices that enhance our competitiveness and strengthen the Port of Imbituba as one of Brazil’s leading gateways for international trade,” Lopes said.

According to Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), trade conducted through the Port of Imbituba totaled more than US$799 million between January and May 2026, a 12.3% increase compared with the same period in 2025, reinforcing the port complex’s importance to both Santa Catarina’s and Brazil’s foreign trade.

Source: Port of Imbituba

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