Northeast ports post strongest performance in four years with record cargo volume

From January to August 2025, ports in Brazil’s Northeast region handled a total of 213.9 million tonnes of cargo, according to data from the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq). This figure represents an increase of 1.14% compared to the same period last year, marking the highest volume since 2021.

Highlights from Northeast Ports

There was also a significant rise in container throughput, up 10.68% to 14 million tonnes over the same period. General cargo movement grew by 2% year over year.

“We are experiencing one of the best moments in the history of the infrastructure sector. The performance of the Northeast, with growth above the national average, shows that investments are generating tangible results,” said Silvio Costa Filho, Minister of Ports and Airports.

Terminals in the state of Maranhão stood out for their strong growth in cargo handling. The Port of Itaqui (MA) moved 24.8 million tonnes, mainly fuels and grains, showing the largest increase in the region, up 8.45% from the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal (MA) — the region’s leading port in volume — handled 110.4 million tonnes, up 1.55% year over year. The terminal remains the main export hub for iron ore.

Soybeans drove much of the growth in cargo movement across the Northeast ports, with an increase of nearly 17% compared to last year, totaling 16.1 million tonnes. The Port of Itaqui accounted for 12.5 million tonnes, followed by the Cotegipe Port Terminal (BA), which handled 6.63 million tonnes, a 75% increase over the previous period.

Source: Ministério dos Portos e Aeroportos

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