Itaqui port registers 50% increase in fertilizer imports

In the first half of 2020, fertilizer handling at the Port of Itaqui reached 1.2 million tonnes, an increase of 50% in relation to the same period last year. Moreover, the expectation for the coming months is for an even greater volume once the new fertilizer terminal, belonging to Companhia Operadora Portuária do Itaqui (Copi), comes on stream later this year.

In 2019, fertilizer cargo handled by the port exceeded 2 million tons and grew 11% compared to 2018. These results helped consolidate Itaqui as an outlet for grain production (soy and corn) in the Central-Northern region of Brazil, which is increasingly driving the import of fertilizers as return cargo (cargo brought back in place of goods previously exported).

With the new terminal, the port will be able to increase its capacity from 2 million to 3.5 million tonnes of fertilizer imports per year. According to the operator, the new terminal will have a static capacity of 70,000 tonnes distributed in independent bays, all connected directly to berth 101 (which can increase productivity to 1,250 tonnes/hour). The project also provides for a rail hopper, which will facilitate transport by rail to Palmeirante (TO), where the product will be distributed to other states.

The fertilizers handled by Itaqui originate mainly in Russia, Egypt, and Israel. When entering Brazil via the public port of Maranhão, this cargo is distributed throughout the producing region called Matopiba (which covers Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia) and has been expanding.

Last year, 36.2 million tonnes of fertilizer were distributed across the country, according to data from the National Fertilizer Diffusion Association. Of this total, 7.1 million tonnes were produced in the country and the imported volume reached more than 80% of what was delivered to the market, which is equivalent to 29.5 million tonnes.

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