Vitória port starts charging fee on imported vehicles, drawing trader backlash

Vports, the concessionaire that operates the Vitória port complex in Espírito Santo state, began charging a new fee on vehicle handling in August, prompting criticism from foreign trade companies.

The fee initially amounts to 0.2% of the cargo value and is expected to rise to 0.4% by the end of the year. The charge has triggered dissatisfaction among international trade companies responsible for intermediating import operations.

Sindiex, Espírito Santo’s exporters and importers union, said the state — Brazil’s largest gateway for imported vehicles — could lose competitiveness as a result.

“This is a new cost that was not in the budget and now is. We are talking about something that represents 0.2% of the cargo cost and will reach 0.93%. That is not a small amount,” said Sindiex President Sidemar Acosta.

“Vehicle imports are a relevant chain for Espírito Santo’s international trade. They employ thousands of people, generate tax revenue and support a lot of local consumption. Higher costs are not good. We could end up losing cargo to other ports in the country. It is an impact that clearly raises concern,” he said.

From January to July 2026, 231,300 cars entered Brazil through Espírito Santo ports. The value of those imports totaled $4.27 billion.

Today, 52% of Brazil’s imported vehicles enter the country through the ports of Vitória and Vila Velha. From September 2022 to July 2026, 750,000 vehicles passed through the complex.

According to Vports, the fees on cargo handled under special regimes, including vehicles, machinery and equipment, are intended to promote cargo turnover and ensure that shared port areas remain available to the various users that depend on the facilities in a multipurpose port structure.

“The collection of the fees has been planned and approved since 2024 and was postponed to ensure an adaptation process for the sectors involved, considering the importance of the import segment to Espírito Santo’s economy,” Vports said.

The company said it structured a phased fee model to minimize impacts and allow users to adapt gradually.

“It is important to emphasize that the application of these tariffs, already used at other ports, went through a rigorous approval process in which the port community was heard, followed by validation by the regulator Antaq,” Vports said.

The company added that it remains open to dialogue with market representatives, industry groups and port users.

Source: A Gazeta

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