Southern Brazil’s public ports handle 85.3 million tonnes from January to August

Public ports in Brazil’s southern region (Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul) recorded a 7.9% increase in cargo handling between January and August 2025. According to data from the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq), 85.3 million tonnes passed through terminals administered by federal port authorities during the period.

The positive performance was led by the Port of Paranaguá (PR), which handled 43.9 million tonnes. Next came the Port of Rio Grande (RS) with 20.2 million tonnes, the Port of São Francisco do Sul (SC) with 12.1 million, and the Port of Imbituba (SC) with 4.8 million tonnes. The Port of Itajaí (SC) ranked fifth, with 2.5 million tonnes moved in the same period.

Below is a history of long-haul container handling at the Port of Paranaguá from January 2022 onward. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data and excludes internal moves, transshipment and cabotage:

Long-Haul Container Handling via Port of Paranaguá | Jan 2022 to Aug 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Below is a history of long-haul cargo handling at the Port of São Francisco do Sul from 2022 onward. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Long-Haul Cargo Handling at the Port of São Francisco do Sul | Jan 2022 to Aug 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho said the results reflect the federal government’s focus on management efficiency. “The growth of southern public ports is the result of efficient and competitive management designed to strengthen the economy of the region and of Brazil as a whole,” the minister said.

The biggest highlight in the report was a 21.14% increase in containerized cargo (totaling 19.9 million tonnes) and a 15.46% rise in general cargo (totaling 9 million tonnes) compared with 2024. The strong performance in these two categories — which cover a wide range of products — underscores the versatility and expanding capacity of public ports to support increasingly complex logistics chains.

The southern ports’ strong role in foreign trade was also confirmed by a 7.19% increase in long-haul (international) navigation, which totaled 73.4 million tonnes. This movement drove a 4.95% rise in exports (led by soybeans and corn) and an 11.84% rise in imports (including fertilizers).

New investments

To further boost efficiency in the region, the Ministry of Ports and Airports held, on Wednesday (22), Brazil’s first-ever concession auction for the administration of an access channel to a public port — the navigation channel leading to the Port of Paranaguá.

The project is expected to draw R$1.2 billion in investment over the 25-year concession term. The contract covers the administration and operation of the waterway access infrastructure, including channels and turning basins. The winning consortium will be responsible for dredging and deepening the draft from the current 13.5 meters to 15.5 meters, allowing larger vessels to call and increasing operational capacity, cargo throughput, and export flows.

The initiative will enhance safety, speed, and the ability to accommodate larger ships, strengthening the port of Paraná’s competitiveness.

Source: Ministério de Portos E Aeroportos

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