VLI completes first corn shipment to China via Espírito Santo

VLI, a logistics company operating railways, ports, and terminals, completed its first corn shipment to China via Espírito Santo last week, using the General Cargo Terminal (TPD) at the Port of Tubarão. The 75,500-tonne shipment, originating from the Araguari Integrated Terminal — part of VLI’s integrated system in Minas Gerais — marked the culmination of a strategic process launched in February 2025, when the terminal was certified as an active export route to the world’s largest importer of the commodity after meeting a series of technical and sanitary requirements.

The certification opens new opportunities for clients served by VLI’s East Corridor, which connects the Triângulo Mineiro region to Espírito Santo’s port system. The operation involves the Centro-Atlântica Railway, controlled by VLI, and the Vitória-Minas Railway, where the company is transitioning to the new regulatory model as a Rail Freight Transport Agent (ATF-C).

“By connecting major producing regions through our East Corridor, we strengthen the supply chain and contribute to the expansion of Brazil’s foreign trade. This new export route exemplifies how we innovate to serve customers in sectors that drive the Brazilian economy, such as agribusiness,” said Daniel Schaffazick, Operations Director for VLI’s East Corridor.

To obtain authorization, the TPD underwent a rigorous registration process under the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agricultural Management System (Sipeagro/Mapa). This included official registration as a port warehouse for corn exports to China, submission of a Good Manufacturing Practices Manual (BPF), and implementation of a monitoring system for mycotoxins and pesticide residues in stored grains. The process also required staff training to ensure full compliance with Chinese standards.

Beyond grain exports, VLI maintains continuous import and export flows through Espírito Santo, handling soy meal, fertilizers, pulp, inputs, and steel products. Through the East Corridor, the company moves around 16.7 million tonnes by rail and 16.2 million tonnes through Espírito Santo ports annually.

Chinese demand for Brazilian corn has surged since 2022, when the war in Ukraine disrupted global grain supplies. In response, China expanded trade agreements and, from 2023, introduced new phytosanitary protocols with strict standards for seeds and pest control.

Source: VLI

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