Fruit exports drive 2.9% growth in shipments at Port of Natal

Movements at the Port of Natal between January and May this year totaled 156,076 tonnes, an increase of 2.86% compared to the same period in 2024, when the volume reached 151,732 tonnes, according to data from the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (Antaq) released by the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPOR). The growth at the Natal port is attributed to the resumption of fruit exports, especially melons, watermelons, and papayas, which rose 920.69% compared to the same period last year.

In 2024, fruit shipments were hampered by heavy rains in the producing region, which made exports unfeasible at the beginning of the year. In 2025, however, shipments took place normally, with regular exports in January and February. The total volume exported rose from 46,400 tonnes in the 2023/2024 season to 131,500 tonnes in the 2024/2025 season. In addition to melons, watermelons, and papayas, the port also shipped mangoes, grapes, and lemons, broadening the export portfolio of Rio Grande do Norte.

The president of the Executive Committee of Fruit Farming of Rio Grande do Norte (Coex), Fábio Queiroga, explained that the growth is also linked to changes made by the company Agrícola Famosa, which is transitioning its shipping methods.

“Agrícola is shifting its shipments from container vessels to bulk vessels, with exclusive departures from the Port of Natal,” he explained. According to Queiroga, container shipping previously occurred through the state of Ceará. “The company made adjustments to operate dedicated vessels for its cargo. This is why we’re seeing a substantial increase in fruit movement through the Port of Natal, which is a positive development. We hope this route continues to drive volume, as it generates revenue for the state of RN,” added Queiroga.

Performance

With port movement from January to May reaching 156,076 tonnes, the Port of Natal joins the ports of Itaqui in Maranhão – which saw a 12.28% increase in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year – and Salvador in Bahia (up 1.52% in the same comparison), as standouts in the Northeast region. Together, the three ports have handled 33.5 million tonnes of cargo so far this year.

Data from the RN Dock Company (Codern), updated through June, show an even higher cumulative port movement, with 171,479 tonnes handled in 2025.

In a statement, Codern, the administrator of the Port of Natal, said the increase demonstrates the resilience and strength of Rio Grande do Norte’s production chain, as well as the port’s capacity to respond to climate and logistical challenges. “Codern has been working closely with the federal and state governments to ensure proper operational conditions and provide efficient infrastructure to our exporting partners,” the note said.

“Regular shipments since the beginning of the year reflect strategic alignment between the productive sector, port workers, logistics operators, and port administration,” Codern added.

Source: Tribuna do Norte

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