TCP Breaks Record for Chicken and Beef Exports in First Quarter

TCP, the company that manages the Paranaguá Container Terminal, reached a new all-time high for refrigerated container (reefer) traffic in the first quarter: 35,809 units, representing a 17% increase compared to last year.

The terminal, recognized as the world’s most significant chicken export corridor, broke records by increasing its export market share this first quarter, reaching 44% of the national market share. According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), based on data from the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex), Brazil exported 1.387 million tonnes of chicken meat (+13.7%) between January and March, generating US$ 2.587 billion in revenue (+20.8%). During this same period, TCP exported 610,000 tonnes of chicken meat.

“The Paranaguá Container Terminal stands out for its specialized service and quality to meat and frozen goods exporters, ensuring maximum client satisfaction. In poultry, we have long-standing partnerships with industries in our area of influence, and we continue working to absorb the sector’s productivity growth and onboard new clients,” said Giovanni Guidolim, TCP’s commercial, logistics, and customer service manager.

In March, the leading importers of Brazilian chicken were China, 46.4 thousand tonnes imported (+19.3%), and Saudi Arabia, 40.5 thousand tonnes (+15.7%). The leading exporting states were Paraná, with 192.3 thousand tonnes shipped (+11.6%), and Santa Catarina, with 106.1 thousand tonnes (+12.1%).

TCP also set a new first-quarter record for beef exports, registering a 32% market share. According to the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC), based on Secex data, Brazil exported 676 thousand tonnes of beef (+12.8%), generating US$ 3.22 billion in revenue (+22.1%). TCP shipped 217 thousand tonnes in 2025—a 53% increase over the 142 thousand tonnes registered between January and March 2024.

“With the completion of the expansion works for the largest refrigerated container yard in South America, combined with normalized yard occupancy rates and an efficient cargo scheduling system, the terminal ends the first quarter of 2025 by converting new clients and expanding its market share in the meat and frozen goods segment. In beef shipments alone, for example, we saw a 53% increase in volume, far above the national average,” Guidolim added.

The main destinations for Brazilian beef in the first quarter were China, with 284.3 thousand tonnes imported, and the United States, 88 thousand tonnes. São Paulo, Mato Grosso, and Goiás were the top exporting Brazilian states.

In June 2024, TCP completed the expansion of its reefer yard, the area dedicated to storing refrigerated containers used for transporting meat and frozen products. With a 45% increase in power outlets, from 3,624 to 5,268, the Paranaguá Container Terminal now holds the largest reefer yard in South America.

Sharing is caring!