Southeast Brazil ports handle nearly 700 million tonnes in 2025 as exports drive growth

Public and private ports in Brazil’s Southeast region handled 699.8 million metric tons of cargo in 2025, up 7.52% from the previous year, according to data from the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) compiled by the Ministry of Ports and Airports. The increase was primarily driven by a 10.15% rise in exports.

Growth was supported by higher volumes of dry bulk, which totaled 366.4 million tons, up 8.25%, and liquid bulk, which reached 226.1 million tons, up 9.22%. Containerized cargo amounted to 72.4 million tons, a 1.53% increase year over year.

Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho said the figures reflect a favorable investment climate and continued expansion of port infrastructure.

“The Southeast concentrates strategic production chains for Brazil, such as mining, energy and agribusiness. By improving port efficiency, we strengthen exports, create jobs and enhance the country’s competitiveness in international markets,” he said.

National Ports Secretary Alex Ávila attributed the performance to planning and regulatory predictability.

“The Southeast combines mature assets, consolidated infrastructure and strong private-sector participation. Balanced growth across ports demonstrates market confidence and the sector’s capacity to respond to productive demand,” he said.

Broad-based growth across terminals

The Southeast region is home to three of Brazil’s five busiest ports, and all terminals posted growth in 2025.

Among public ports, Santos in São Paulo state — the country’s largest port complex — handled 142.8 million tons, up 2.98%, with strong volumes in containers, soybeans, sugar and corn. Itaguaí in Rio de Janeiro state moved 62.8 million tons, up 3.55%, with iron ore accounting for 92.2% of total throughput.

Among private terminals, Tubarão in Espírito Santo handled 87.4 million tons, up 12.9%, driven largely by iron ore, which represented 92.3% of volumes. The Angra dos Reis oil terminal in Rio de Janeiro handled 70.4 million tons, up 12.28%, while the Açu terminal posted the region’s highest percentage growth, up 20.31% to 60.4 million tons, both handling crude oil and derivatives exclusively.

Iron ore remained the leading cargo in the region at 239.1 million tons, followed by crude oil and petroleum products at 217.1 million tons. Soybeans also played a significant role, totaling 39.6 million tons.

The performance reinforces the Southeast’s position as Brazil’s primary mineral and energy export corridor, as well as a strategic gateway for agroindustrial output.

Strong international integration

Of the nearly 700 million tons handled in the region, 531.2 million tons moved via long-haul international shipping, underscoring the Southeast’s deep integration with global markets.

Coastal shipping, or cabotage, also expanded 5.91% to 137.4 million tons, highlighting the importance of maritime transport in connecting Brazil’s coastline.

Source: Ministério dos Portos e Aeroportos

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