November DataLiner Report: Brazilian Maritime Trade Remains Strong but Faces 2025 Slowdown Risks

Fresh data released by Datamar’s Business Intelligence team highlights a 20.4% increase in Brazil’s containerized imports from January to November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. In November alone, imports rose by 18% year-over-year, continuing the growth trend observed throughout 2024.

Containerized Imports | Brazil | Jan-Nov 2021 to Jan-Nov 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Among the main imported goods were plastics, up 25.8%, and reactors, boilers, and machinery, which increased by 22%.

Containerized exports also saw a boost, growing 13% during the first 11 months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. November exports rose by 5.9% year-over-year.

Containerized Exports | Brazil | Jan-Nov 2021 to Jan-Nov 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Meat remained Brazil’s top containerized export, rising by 11.5% year-over-year during the first 11 months of 2024, followed by wood products (+14.6%) and cotton, which saw a staggering 84.5% growth.

The Plate Region: Mixed Results in 2024

Argentina’s exports grew by 9.1% between January and November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with a 3.1% rise in November alone. However, containerized imports into Argentina fell by 18.9% year-to-date, though November saw a modest recovery with a 3.1% increase.

Containerized Exports | Plate Region | Jan-Nov 2021 to Jan-Nov 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Uruguay recorded an 11.3% increase in containerized exports in the first 11 months of 2024 compared to 2023, with November shipments climbing by 15.6%. On the import side, Uruguay saw a slight 1.4% uptick year-to-date and a 2.6% rise in November alone.

Containerized Imports | Plate Region | Jan-Nov 2021 to Jan-Nov 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Outlook for 2025

The outlook for 2025 suggests a complex mix of challenges and opportunities for Brazil’s containerized trade. On the import side, a strong exchange rate may dampen demand, easing pressure on freight rates. However, with the Chinese New Year holidays beginning January 29—bringing a two-week pause to Asian manufacturing—importers are likely to front-load purchases, potentially driving freight rates higher in early 2025.

Additionally, geopolitical instability is expected to impact global shipping. Terrorism concerns could prompt shipping lines to bypass the Suez Canal in favor of the Cape of Good Hope, extending transit times and pushing freight costs upward.

On the other hand, the introduction of new, larger vessels into the global fleet will expand capacity and could help stabilize freight rates. Meanwhile, evolving alliances among carriers are set to reshape the market.

In February 2025, the 2M Alliance between MSC and Maersk will dissolve, with Hapag-Lloyd leaving THE Alliance to form the Gemini Cooperation with Maersk. The remaining members of THE Alliance—ONE, Yang Ming, and HMM—will rebrand as the Premier Alliance and enter into a slot-sharing agreement with MSC for Asia-Europe routes. Separately, MSC has inked a three-year deal with Zim for transpacific trade.

Despite headwinds from inflation, exchange rate volatility, and freight challenges, Brazil’s export sector is poised for moderate growth in 2025, driven by strong commodity performance and industrial goods. Changes in the global shipping landscape, including expanded vessel capacity and new carrier alliances, may also bring opportunities for cost reductions in freight logistics.

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