Port activity hits record despite U.S. tariff hike

Port activity in August, the first month after the U.S. government imposed new tariffs, was 7.8% higher than in the same period last year. Cargo handled from January to August also reached a record 914.8 million tonnes, up 2.8% compared with 2024.

Data from the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq) confirm the route changes caused by the U.S. restrictions and show that Brazil has adapted to the tariff hike. Exports grew 3.2% in August compared with the previous year. There was a sharp rise in shipments to India (up 348%), Mexico (97%), Argentina (50%), and China (12%), Brazil’s main trading partner, while exports to the United States fell 17%.

Below is a historical comparison of Brazilian container exports in the first eight months of the past four years. The chart was prepared with DataLiner data:

Brazilian Container Exports | Jan–Aug 2022–2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

“The record cargo movement at the country’s ports, together with the increase in export volumes, reinforces Brazil’s growing relevance in international trade. We are working to further expand the cargo handled through the waterway transport system, as this translates into more jobs and higher income for the Brazilian people,” said the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.

According to the regulatory agency’s data, growth in August was stronger at private terminals (11%), while the public port showing the largest monthly increase was Itajaí, in Santa Catarina (412%), following the resumption of operations by the Federal Government. Year to date, Itajaí has already doubled the total handled in all of last year, reaching 2.5 million tonnes.

There were also records in long-haul shipping (exports and imports), reaching 95.4 million tonnes; in cabotage (domestic coastal shipping), 28.2 million tonnes; and in inland waterway transport, totaling 8.1 million tonnes.

Below is a historical comparison of Brazilian container imports in the first eight months of the past four years. The chart was prepared with DataLiner data:

Brazilian Container Imports | Jan–Aug 2022–2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

By cargo type, the strongest growth in August was in liquid bulk (25%), setting a record for the month at 32.5 million tonnes. Petroleum and derivatives alone accounted for 22.5 million tonnes, up 33.4% year on year.

The report also shows an 11.3% increase in iron ore exports in August (to 42.2 million tonnes) and a 3.4% rise in corn exports (to 10.7 million tonnes).

Source: Antaq

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