Northern Brazil ports break record with 3.2 million tons of cargo moved in May

The organized ports of Brazil’s Northern Region reached a new milestone in May this year, handling 3.74 million tons of cargo — an increase of nearly 2% compared to the same month in 2024, when 3.66 million tons were handled. The data comes from the Aquaviary Statistics report released by the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (Antaq).

Amapá stood out as the state with the highest percentage growth, as volumes jumped from 131,000 to 229,000 tons, representing an increase of more than 74% over the same period last year, primarily driven by soybean exports.

A large portion of the total volume — around 3.2 million tons — was made up of dry bulk cargo. Soybeans led the way, more than doubling the amount recorded the previous year, rising from 817,000 to 1.6 million tons.

Next came fertilizers, which increased from 383,000 to 486,000 tons, followed by bauxite, used as a raw material in aluminum production, which rose from 299,000 to 348,000 tons.

“This level of activity demonstrates the enormous logistical potential of Brazil’s Northern Region,” said the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho. “We are ramping up public and private investments in the region’s states, focusing on strategic transport modes that boost national competitiveness, create jobs, increase income for local populations, and help ensure more affordable prices for consumers,” he added.

Among the ports with the highest cargo volumes were Vila do Conde (PA), which topped the list with 1.8 million tons, followed by Santarém (PA) with 1.2 million, Santana (AP) with 364,000, Porto Velho (RO) with 207,000, and Belém (PA) with 120,000 tons.

Infrastructure expansion
To continue modernizing the port logistics system, the Ministry of Ports and Airports is planning a series of port auctions for the second half of this year. The round is expected to attract R$1.03 billion in private investment and includes four terminals, among them VCD29 in Vila do Conde (PA).

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