Soybean industry generates USD 34M a day in exports at Paranagua Port

Brazil’s soybean industry, which includes soybeans, soymeal, and soybean oil, has emerged as a major boosting factor to cargo exports at the ports of Paranaguá and Antonina. Data from the federal government’s Comex Stat system reveals that, on average, these products generated $34 million per day in exports from January to July this year.

During this period, a total of 13,237,594 tonnes of these three products were shipped through Paraná-based ports, with soybeans (8,478,722 tonnes) leading the way, followed by soymeal (3,787,033 tonnes) and soybean oil (971,839 tonnes). In terms of absolute value, these cargo movements in Paranaguá reached a staggering $7.3 billion in the first seven months of 2023.

Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of Portos do Paraná, emphasizes the significance of the soybean complex for the port’s activities. “This sector holds a significant share of exports through Paraná’s ports, accounting for 55% of all the volume shipped abroad from January to July,” he explains. “Moreover, this segment alone contributed to 44% of the $16 billion in exports.”

Soybean industry products primarily went to Asia from the Port of Paranaguá. During the year’s first seven months, China was the top destination for soybeans, followed by South Korea, Bangladesh, and Russia. The majority of soybean oil was shipped to India, followed by Bangladesh. As for soybean meal, it found its way to European countries like Poland, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Slovenia, and Spain.

Export Origins

More than half (54%) of the soybeans exported through the Port of Paranaguá originated from the state of Paraná itself, followed by Mato Grosso do Sul (21.7%) and São Paulo (7.3%).

Soymeal shipped from Paranaguá is also predominantly produced from Paraná, accounting for 55% of the total. Following this, Mato Grosso do Sul (16%) and Mato Grosso (14%) also make it to this list.

Paraná represents approximately 40% of the origin of soybean oil shipped through Paranaguá. Mato Grosso (15%), Goiás (9.6%), and Mato Grosso do Sul (8%) follow suit.

Participation share

From January to July, Brazilian exports of the soybean complex reached 87,162,669 tonnes, led by the oilseed itself (72,467,242 tonnes), meal (12,968,600 tonnes), and oil (1,726,826 tonnes). The ports in Paraná held the second position nationally in the movement of this type of cargo from January to July this year. Paraná ranks fourth in grain exports, second in meal shipments, and first in oil exports.

Gabriel Vieira, Director of Port Operations at Portos do Paraná, underscores the significance of Paraná’s ports on the national stage. “When we combine soybeans, meal, and soybean oil, we reach a 14.8% share,” he states. “This year, the East Export Corridor of the Port of Paranaguá achieved significant milestones, particularly in the shipment of soybeans.”

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