Southern Brazil ports see container throughput rise more than 22% in January

Container throughput at ports in southern Brazil rose 22.3% in January 2026, reaching 4.9 million tonnes and accounting for more than one-third of all cargo handled during the period. The figures come from the Waterborne Statistics report published by Brazil’s waterway transport regulator, Antaq.

According to the survey, ports in the South handled a total of 13.9 million tonnes in the month. Although overall volume showed only slight variation from the same period a year earlier, the result was driven by the strong performance of containerized cargo, which has higher added value and is linked to more diversified supply chains.

Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho said the advance in container throughput reflects a stronger economy and continued investment in port infrastructure. “The growth in containerized cargo shows a more dynamic Brazil, with greater circulation of manufactured goods and deeper integration into global trade chains. This is the result of investments being made in ports, generating more efficiency, capacity and competitiveness to support the country’s economic development,” he said.

The rise in container volumes points to greater movement of manufactured goods, industrial inputs and consumer products, reflecting the strength of productive sectors and foreign trade. This type of cargo is also directly linked to Brazil’s integration into global logistics chains.

Regional performance

Southern Brazil is home to some of the country’s main port complexes, including Paranagua in Parana state and Itajai in Santa Catarina state. In January, the Port of Paranagua led cargo throughput among the region’s public ports, with 4.7 million tonnes, followed by the Port of Rio Grande in Rio Grande do Sul state, with 1.9 million tonnes.

Below is a historical overview of long-haul container throughput via the Port of Paranaguá starting in January 2022. The chart excludes cabotage and other domestic movements:

Long-Haul Container Throughput via the Port of Paranaguá – Jan 2022 to Jan 2026 – TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

In addition to public ports, private terminals also play a relevant role in the region’s cargo dynamics, including Port of Itapoa in Santa Catarina and Portonave in Navegantes, Santa Catarina, helping reinforce the region’s logistics capacity and competitiveness.

Among cargo types, besides containers, oil and refined products stood out at 2.5 million tonnes, along with fertilizers at 1.3 million tonnes, essential inputs for industry and agribusiness.

Even with isolated declines in some cargo categories, such as solid bulk and general cargo, long-haul shipping throughput rose 7.2%, while cabotage increased 3.7%, indicating greater cargo circulation and stronger maritime routes.

Investments

The results seen at the start of 2026 are in line with a recent cycle of port infrastructure investment in southern Brazil aimed at expanding operating capacity and improving logistics efficiency.

At the Port of Paranagua, for example, deeper draft and ongoing dredging work are already allowing larger and more heavily loaded vessels to operate, contributing to productivity gains and lower logistics costs. That environment recently enabled the largest barley operation ever recorded on a single vessel at the terminal, with 50,000 tonnes handled.

Another highlight is the concession of the port’s access channel, which calls for 1.23 billion reais in investment over 25 years for dredging, maintenance and management of waterway infrastructure. The initiative will allow draft to be increased to as much as 15.5 meters, expanding operating capacity and the size of vessels able to call at the port complex.

The port is also undergoing structural upgrades, including the Moegao project, which is expected to increase the terminal’s rail capacity by about 60%, improving cargo flow efficiency.

In Rio Grande do Sul, the lease of the POA26 terminal at the Port of Porto Alegre is also expected to help expand throughput and attract new investment, with operating capacity projected to grow over the coming years.

Source: Ministry of Ports and Airports

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