Port of Santos Sets Historical Record for Cargo Throughput in 2024

The Port of Santos closed 2024 with a historic milestone in cargo throughput, reaching 179.8 million tonnes from January to December. This volume represents a 3.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and marks the highest annual result in the port complex’s history.

Anderson Pomini, president of the Santos Port Authority (APS), celebrated the outstanding annual performance, stating:

“This historic record underscores the strategic importance of the Port of Santos to Brazil. We achieved extraordinary results thanks to operational efficiency, investments in infrastructure, and the dedication of all involved. The significant growth across various segments, such as containers, agribusiness, and fuels, demonstrates our adaptability to global market demands. This milestone inspires us to pursue even greater progress in 2025.”

Exports totaled 131.3 million tons, a 1.0% increase compared to the previous year, while imports reached 48.5 million tons, showing a significant 12.1% rise.

Key Highlights

Container handling was a standout, surpassing the 5 million TEU mark (20-foot container equivalent) for the first time. The port ended 2024 with 5.4 million TEUs handled, recording a 14.7% growth.

The following chart uses DataLiner data to provide a general overview of container exports and imports registered at the Port of Santos between January 2021 and November 2024.

Expors and Impors at Port of Santos | Jan 2021 – Nov 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

In the dry bulk segment (90.7 million tons), sugar was a major contributor, with 27.0 million tons handled—an impressive 17.8% increase. Soybean exports reached 27.8 million tons, and corn totaled 15.9 million tons. Other products, such as soybean meal (+2.5%), coffee beans (+41.2%), and meat (+31.5%), also posted notable performances.

Liquid bulk cargo totaled 19.6 million tons, 1.2% above 2023, setting a historic record for the segment. Significant growth was observed in gasoline handling (+48.2%) and diesel oil (+25.8%).

Breakbulk cargo reached 9.6 million tons, up 9.3%, with pulp at 8.1 million tons (+11.3%).

The number of vessel calls also grew, with 5,557 ships passing through the Port of Santos, a 1.9% increase.

Brazil’s Trade Flow

The Port of Santos maintained its prominence in Brazil’s trade flow, increasing its share from 28.5% to 29.0% in 2024, handling USD 174.43 billion. China remained the leading trading partner, accounting for 27% of transactions, while the state of São Paulo represented 53.7% of international operations.

Source: Port of Santos

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