Port of São Sebastião records its best January ever and projects a new record in 2026

The Port of São Sebastião recorded the highest cargo throughput ever in January and is already projecting to close 2026 with a new annual record. A total of 133.7 thousand tonnes were handled, a volume almost five times higher than the 28 thousand tonnes recorded in January 2016.

The result also far exceeds the monthly average of 2016, which stood at 50.5 thousand tonnes. That year, the port closed the period with 606.7 thousand tonnes handled. Since then, growth has been steady, reaching 741.7 thousand tonnes in 2019, before accelerating more sharply in recent years.

The annual record may be surpassed

In 2024, the terminal reached 1.52 million tonnes, the highest annual volume ever recorded. In 2025, throughput totaled 1.44 million tonnes, the second-best result in the historical series. With the stronger start in 2026, management estimates closing the year with up to 1.6 million tonnes, which could set a new annual record.

The expansion follows the increase in the port’s share of sugar exports—the main product handled at the terminal—as well as cattle shipments. São Sebastião currently ranks as the country’s second-largest port for sugar shipments, with 292.3 thousand tonnes scheduled, trailing only the Port of Santos.

The following breakdown details the leading solid bulk commodities handled at the Port of São Sebastião in 2025, encompassing both import and export flows. This data was sourced from Datamar’s DataLiner platform:

Top Commodities Handled | Port of São Sebastião | Jan 2022 – Dec 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

According to the president of the São Sebastião Dock Company, Ernesto Sampaio, the performance reflects a cycle of modernization and operational gains.

“January’s result confirms that we are at a new operational level. We expanded capacity, improved processes, and strengthened relationships with the export sector. The port has consolidated itself as a competitive alternative for agribusiness exports, especially sugar, and the expectation is to maintain this pace throughout the year,” he said.

Works drive growth

Part of the growth recorded in January is linked to the completion of dredging at the berthing area, which expanded operational capacity and increased vessel call frequency. Improvements in road access also contributed, with the new direct connection to the Tamoios Highway now in operation.

Operational gains are expected to be further enhanced with the inauguration, scheduled for 2026, of a new access ramp exclusively for the port. The structure is expected to facilitate truck entry and exit, reduce interference with urban traffic, and further increase terminal efficiency.

Source: Agora Vale

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