Port of Itajaí cargo jumps 1,494% in 2025

Between January and June of this year, cargo volumes handled at the Port of Itajaí grew by 1,494% compared to the same period last year. According to data from the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ), operations moved 1.7 million tonnes of cargo in the first half. The growth rate highlights the terminal’s strategic position in maritime logistics and its importance to the local economy. JBS Terminais recently assumed the unified management of the port areas, where it had been operating since October of last year.

“Our performance in the first half not only reinforces the relevance of the Port of Itajaí in Brazil’s logistics chain but also its ability to meet growing market demand. We can contribute significantly to the country’s port network and help drive international trade,” said Aristides Russi Junior, president of JBS Terminais.

Of the cargo handled at the Port of Itajaí in the first half of this year, 85% consisted of containers. Over 180,000 TEUs were moved, primarily comprising meats and edible offal (22%), wood, charcoal, and wood products (20%), plastics and plastic products (7%), prepared animal feed (7%), and machinery and equipment (7%).

Exports grew by 8,599% between January and June compared to the same period in 2024. China remained the leading destination for shipped products, followed by the United States, the European Union, and Latin American countries. The strong export performance underscores Brazil’s relevance in global trade, supported by trade surpluses in which commodities like meat, grains, and pulp play a central role.

Imports rose by 496%. The import mix confirms the terminal’s strategic role as a gateway for essential inputs for Brazil’s industrial production and domestic supply, with origins mainly from China, the United States, the European Union, and Mercosur countries—particularly Argentina.

Since taking over operations at the Port of Itajaí in October 2024, JBS Terminais has invested R$130 million in the terminal, which now serves over 1,700 clients. These investments position the company as one of the leading logistics hubs in southern Brazil, with projected growth and an additional R$90 million earmarked for technology and infrastructure upgrades. This next phase will focus on expanding storage capacity and modernizing operations through the acquisition of new yard equipment, further enhancing the customer experience.

With 1,030 meters of quay, four berths, and a 14-meter operating draft, JBS Terminais offers cutting-edge infrastructure and operational capacity to meet the growing demands of foreign trade. Additionally, the 1,750 reefer plugs ensure the proper storage of refrigerated cargo, reinforcing the terminal’s leadership in handling high-value-added goods.

Source: JBS

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