Northeast Brazil ports maintain growth in 2025, led by Itaqui, Salvador and Natal

Port activity in Brazil’s Northeast has continued to grow in 2025. From January to May, the region’s ports handled more than 33.5 million tonnes of cargo, according to data from the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq). The performance reflects the strength of regional infrastructure and was driven mainly by the ports of Itaqui (MA), Salvador (BA), and Natal (RN), which saw notable growth across various logistics sectors.

In Maranhão, the Port of Itaqui posted year-to-date growth of 12.28%, reversing the 8.4% drop seen in the same period of 2024. The recovery was led by three key cargo segments: fertilizers (+35.69%), petroleum (+15.05%), and soybeans (+11.05%), all of which had posted negative results the previous year. The data confirm a rebound in operations and further establish the port as one of the leading export corridors in the North-Northeast region.

In Bahia, the Port of Salvador maintained positive performance with a 1.52% increase in 2025. Although this was down from the 55.98% surge in 2024, it reflects operational stability at the terminal, where cabotage shipping continues to play a dominant role — accounting for 86.1% of total throughput. Cargo types with the strongest results included reactors, boilers, and machinery, which increased by 39.10% after a sharp decline last year, along with containers (+8.74%) and wheat (+5.04%).

Northeast performance

The most significant recovery, however, came from the Port of Natal. After a steep 37.2% decline in 2024, the port posted a 2.86% gain in the first five months of 2025. This turnaround was driven by a strong rebound in fruit exports — especially melons, watermelons, and papayas — which rose 920.69% compared to the same period last year.

Here is a historical overview of exports and imports from Itaqui, Salvador, and Natal from January to May from 2022 to 2025. The chart was created using DataLiner data:

Northeastern Brazilian Exports and Imports | Jan 2022 – May 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

The explanation lies in seasonal dynamics. In 2024, exports were disrupted by heavy rainfall in the producing region, which hindered shipments early in the year. In 2025, cargo flowed uninterrupted, with regular shipments commencing in January and February. Total export volume jumped from 46.4 thousand tonnes in the 2023/2024 harvest to 131.5 thousand tonnes in the 2024/2025 season. In addition to melons and watermelons, Natal also shipped mangoes, grapes, and lemons, diversifying the state’s export profile.

According to Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho, the results reflect the federal government’s efforts to strengthen logistics nationwide. He stated that the Northeast’s port growth confirms the region’s potential and underscores the need to expand infrastructure investment. “The growth of ports in the Northeast confirms the region’s logistics potential and the importance of continued infrastructure investment to ensure competitiveness, integration, and job creation. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Ports and Airports, remains committed to strengthening logistics corridors across all regions — with special attention to the Northeast, which plays a strategic role in the flow of production and expansion of Brazilian exports.”

The Northeast ports are essential for exporting products such as grains (soybeans and corn), minerals, tropical fruits, oil, and oil products — all of which represent a significant share of Brazil’s foreign trade. The region’s strategic location is another advantage, offering shorter shipping distances to Europe and North America, which reduces both costs and transit times. The presence of refineries and offshore production along the northeastern coast further strengthens the ports’ role as critical logistics assets for Brazil’s energy sector.

Source: Ministério dos Portos e Aeroportos

Sharing is caring!