By Maria Kalamatas | July 22, 2025
Section: International / Maritime & Agricultural Trade
Santos, July 22 — Brazil’s ports are operating at near full capacity as soybean exports surge to meet rising demand from China and Southeast Asia, pushing bulk carriers and loading terminals to their limits.
“Vessels are queuing offshore, some waiting up to four days for a berth,” said Rafael Gomes, terminal operations manager at the Port of Santos, the country’s largest export hub. “Every available slot is being used to keep cargo flowing.”
Export volumes hit new highs
July shipments are running nearly 20 percent above the same period last year, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, with Chinese buyers accelerating purchases to secure supply ahead of expected price fluctuations.
“China is pulling forward contracts to avoid market volatility,” Gomes explained. “We’re seeing demand that typically peaks later in the year arriving all at once.”
Infrastructure stretched thin
While terminals are running extended shifts, limited storage and draft restrictions at secondary ports have forced exporters to rely heavily on Santos, Paranaguá, and Rio Grande, creating bottlenecks both onshore and at sea.
“Our loading crews are working around the clock, but there’s only so much grain we can move per day,” Gomes said.
Freight rates climb
The surge has driven spot freight rates for Panamax and Supramax vessels higher, with some operators charging premiums for guaranteed loading windows. Traders report paying as much as 15 percent above typical seasonal averages to lock in space.
“For large traders, it’s manageable, but smaller exporters are feeling the squeeze,” noted Helena Costa, a commodities analyst in São Paulo.
Looking ahead
Analysts expect heavy volumes to continue through August as Asian importers build reserves ahead of the region’s peak consumption season. Logistics operators warn that without additional capacity, wait times could extend further.
“We’re bracing for another month of nonstop operations,” Gomes said. “The pressure isn’t letting up anytime soon.”
