Port of São Francisco do Sul cargo volumes rise 39% over three years

For the third consecutive year, the Port of São Francisco do Sul posted record cargo throughput, handling 17.5 million tonnes in 2025, the highest volume in its seven decades of operation. The result cements the port’s position as Santa Catarina’s largest terminal by total cargo movement, including exports, imports and coastal shipping.

Operational efficiency has improved sharply in recent years. Cargo volumes have expanded by 39% over the past three years, rising from 12.6 million tonnes in 2022. The 2025 result also exceeds the previous record set in 2024, when throughput reached 17 million tonnes, by about 3%.

Soy and corn: drivers of growth

Foreign trade was the main driver of growth last year. Exports accounted for 55% of total volumes, or 9.6 million tonnes, with grain shipments leading operations. Soybean exports reached 6.2 million tonnes, while corn shipments totalled 2.9 million tonnes.

The port’s bulk grain terminal also recorded solid performance, handling 1.8 million tonnes in 2025, an increase of 10% compared with the previous year. As a result, the terminal expanded its share of the export corridor to 26%.

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São Francisco do Sul | Exports + Imports | WTMT

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Imports and costal shipping

Inbound cargoes, including imports and domestic coastal shipping, totalled 7.9 million tonnes, representing 45% of overall throughput. São Francisco do Sul reinforced its role as a steel logistics hub, with volumes of imported steel and cabotage cargoes moved by private operator Tesc reaching 4.3 million tonnes. Fertilizer imports remained significant, amounting to 3.1 million tonnes.

Operating results

The operational performance translated into higher revenues. Port revenue reached a record 189 million reais in 2025, up 8% from the previous year.

According to the port authority, income from port tariffs within the Babitonga Complex is reinvested in asset modernisation. The annual report notes that resources are allocated to infrastructure maintenance, safety and, primarily, dredging works and operational upgrades, ensuring the port can accommodate larger vessels and preserve Santa Catarina’s competitiveness.

Source: Internal Memo –  Port of São Francisco do Sul 

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