Soybean Transportation Guide: 

BRAZIL 2017

Agricultural

Marketing 

Service

Updated 

September 13, 2018
2

United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Agricultural Marketing Service

Transportation and Marketing Program

September 2018

Updated September 13, 2018

Author:

Delmy L. Salin, USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

Graphic Designer:

Jessica E. Ladd, USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

Preferred Citation

Salin, Delmy. Soybean Transportation Guide: Brazil 2017. September 2018. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 

Agricultural Marketing Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS048.09-2018>

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 
3

Contents

Soybean Transportation Guide: Brazil.

General Information.

2017 Summary.

Transportation Infrastructure Development. 

Transportation Indicators. 

Soybean Production. 

Exports. 

Exports to China. 

Transportation Modes. 

Reference Material. 

Photo Credits. 
4

Soybean Transportation Guide  Bra

Executive Summary

The Soybean Transportation Guide is a visual snapshot of Brazilian soybean transportation, in 2017. It 

provides data on the cost of shipping soybeans, via highways and ocean, to Shanghai, China, and Hamburg, 

Germany. It also includes information about soybean production, exports, railways, ports, and infrastructural 

developments. 

Brazil is one of the most important U.S. competitors in the world oilseeds market. Brazil’s competitiveness in 

the world market depends largely on its transportation infrastructure, both production and transportation 

cost, increases in planted area, and productivity. Brazil and U.S. producers use the same production and 

technological advancements, making their soybeans relative substitutes. U.S. soybean competitiveness 

worldwide rests upon critical factors such as transportation costs and structural infrastructure improvements. 

Brazil is gaining a cost advantage. However, the United States retains a significant share of global soybean 

exports. In 2017, per-bushel total production costs in the main producing areas of the U.S. Midwest averaged 

$9.29 per bushel, compared with $7.52 per bushel in Argentina, $7.53 per bushel in the Brazilian State of Mato 

Grosso, and $8.01 per bushel in Paraná. Although variable costs in the United States are lower, fixed costs—

due to land values and capital costs—are much higher than in Mato Grosso and Paraná.

Since 2013, Brazil has surpassed U.S. soybean exports, becoming the top world soybean exporter. Further, 

the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts that Brazil is expected to be the world’s largest soybean 

exporter through 2028. While the United States is the world’s leading producer in terms of volume, its export 

competitiveness relative to South America declined during a period of strong global growth in soybean 

demand. However, the United States remains the second-largest exporter, followed by Argentina, Paraguay, 

and Canada. The market shares for Brazil, the United States, and Argentina were 43, 40, and 5 percent, 

respectively, in 2017. China is the driver of global soybean trade, accounting for about two-thirds of soybean 

worldwide imports. Brazil kept its leadership position in China with a market share of about 48 percent, down 

from 51 percent in 2016. The United States market share in China increased to 39 percent, from 35 percent in 

2016. Argentina’s market share declined to 7 percent, from 10 percent a year earlier.

Brazil’s Economy and BR-163 Pavement Status

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and the International Monetary Fund, 

Brazil emerged from recession in 2017 with economic growth of 1.1 percent, 11.8 percent unemployment 

(December 2017), and 2.95 percent inflation. Recovery is expected to continue in 2018 with economic growth 

of 1.9 percent for 2018 and 2.9 percent in 2019. 

In October 2017, the Brazilian government announced the last 62 miles (100 km) of pavement along highway 

of BR-163 connecting Sorriso to Miritituba will be finished in two sections:

• The junction between BR 230, “Rodovia Transamazônica” (PA), and Vila Planalto is under 

construction (22 miles).

• The Army Engineer Construction Battalion (BEC) will paved the remainder 40 miles between Novo 

Progresso and Igarapé do Lauro. September-December 2018. 
5

Currently, it takes 3 days to ship grain from Sorriso, North MT, to Miritituba because of the poor condition 

of the last 62 miles (100 km of unpaved road) of BR-163 connecting Sorriso to Miritituba. Travel time will be 

reduced to 1.5 days after paving of this section is finished. According to industry analysts, transportation costs 

will be reduced by about US$10/metric ton (mt) (R$30/mt) when BR-163 is finished. 

Soybean Transportation Cost and Export Demand

In calendar year 2017, record exports offset the impact of higher transportation costs, and a stronger currency 

that lowered Brazil’s domestic farm prices. During 2017, world soybean supply growth outpaced demand 

because of higher yields and increased planted area, resulting in a drop of soybean export prices; averaging 

$381/metric ton (mt). Additionally, the cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of soybeans 100 miles by truck 

increased, from $6.78 in 2016 to $8.82 in 2017. Brazilian soybean transportation costs to Shanghai, China—as a 

percentage of total landed costs from the routes of North Mato Grosso (MT) and South Goiás to Santos, North 

Central Paraná to Paranaguá, and Northwest Rio Grande do Sul to Rio Grande—increased 33-54 percent, due 

to higher transportation costs and lower farm prices, compared with 2016. In Sorriso, North MT (the largest 

Brazilian soybean-producing State), transportation costs represented 29 percent of the total landed costs of 

shipping soybeans to Shanghai through Santos, compared with 34 percent in 2008, and 45 percent in 2006. 

Ocean rates, from the southern Brazilian ports, increased 35-41 percent to Hamburg and 56-62 percent to 

China because of higher grain exports, increases in bunker fuel prices, and strong iron ore trade. Brazilian 

farmers did not benefit from the 9 percent gain in value of the Brazilian real (R$) against the U.S. dollar 

because soybeans are priced in U.S. dollars and paid in reais. Soybean farm prices—measured in U.S. dollars—

decreased nearly 9 percent, to $314.41.62/mt from $343.62/mt in 2016. Average farm prices in 2017—in 

Brazilian real (R$)—declined about 16 percent, to R$1,003.62 from R$1,189.63 /mt. In 2017, the Brazilian real 

(R$) appreciated against the U.S. dollar compared to 2016, from R$3.50 per U.S. dollar to R$3.19.

China is Brazil’s major soybean buyer, accounting for 79 percent of total exports (68.1 mmt), followed by 

Spain, Thailand, Netherlands, Iran, and Russia. Soybean exports to China increased 40 percent to 53.8 mmt 

(valued at US$20.3 billion), from 38.6 mmt in 2016. Mato Grosso, the largest Brazilian exporting State, 

accounted for 26 percent of total Brazilian soybean exports, followed by Rio Grande Do Sul, Paraná, Goiás, 

Mato Grosso Do Sul, and São Paulo. Mato Grosso was also the top exporter to China, followed by Rio Grande 

do Sul, Paraná, Goiás, and São Paulo. 

In 2017, Santos was the largest Brazilian soybean export port, followed by Rio Grande, Paranaguá, São Luís, 

São Francisco do Sul, and Barcarena. These six ports accounted for nearly 82 percent of total exports. Looking 

at the split from a different north/south perspective, the southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and 

São Francisco do Sul dominate the soybean trade to China, accounting for about 75 percent of Brazil’s soybean 

exports to China. While the northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for 

nearly 24 percent of exports to China. The Amazon River ports of Manaus and Santarém exported 1 percent 

to China.

Overall, Brazil’s transportation infrastructure is improving. However, transportation costs in its Midwest 

region, especially in MT, are still higher than Iowa in the United States; and also higher than in the southern 

Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul and the northeastern State of Maranhão. Rio Grande do Sul and Maranhão 

exporters have lower transportation costs than the United States’ routes to China through the Pacific 

Northwest, and from Iowa through the U.S. Gulf to Shanghai.
6

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge Francisco P. Magalhães Gomes, (National Agency of Inland 

Transportation, ANTT), the Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”/ Grupo de Pesquisa e Extensão 

em Logística Agroindustrial, ESALQ-LOG, the Assesoria de Comunicação dos Portos de Paranaguá e Antonina, 

ASSCOM-APPA, Maria Anulacion (USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, International Production Assessment 

Division) for providing regional information and maps of Brazil. Comments and critiques by Keith Menzie and 

David Stallings (USDA, Office of the Chief Economist), Mark Ash (USDA, Economic Research Service), Nicolas 

Rubio (USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Agricultural Attaché, Brasilia), Bill George and Agata Kingsbury 

(USDA, FAS, Office of Global Analysis), are greatly appreciated. The author would also like to thank USDA, AMS 

employees Pierre Bahizi, economist, Cindy Ragin, editor, and Jessica Ladd, graphic designer.
7

General Informatio

State and Abbreviation

Acre (AC)

Alagoas (AL)

Amapá (AP)

Amazonas (AM)

Bahia (BA)

Ceará (CE)

Distrito Federal (DF)

Espírito Santo (ES)

Goiás (GO)

Maranhão (MA)

Mato Grosso (MT)

Mato Grosso do Sul (MS)

Minas Gerais (MG)

Pará (PA) 

Paraíba (PB)

Paraná (PR)

Pernambuco (PE)

Piauí (PI)

Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Rio Grande do Sul (RS)

Rondônia (RO)

Roraima (RR)

Santa Catarina (SC)

São Paulo (SP)

Sergipe (SE)

Tocantins (TO)

Information about Brazil

Population: 207,780, 000 (January 2018 est., Census, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e 

Estatística (IBGE)

Gross Domestic Product per Capita, 2017: US$ 15,500 (est.)

Inflation, 2017: 2.95 percent (Banco Central do Brasil)

Unemployment, 4th Quarter 2017: 11.8 percent (IBGE)

Area: 8,514,877 sq km

Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French
8

2017 Summar

Routes1 and regions considered in the Brazilian soybean export transportation indicators2

1 Table defining routes by number is shown on page 33

2 Regions comprised about 81 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2015

Source: USDA/AMS & ESALQ – University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil
9

In 2017, Brazilian soybean transportation costs to Shanghai, China—as a percentage of total landed costs from the routes of North Mato Grosso (MT) and South Goiás to Santos, North Central Paraná to Paranaguá, and Northwest Rio Grande do Sul to Rio Grande—increased 33-54 percent due to higher transportation costs and lower farm prices, compared with 2016. In Sorriso, North MT (the largest Brazilian soybean-producing State), transportation costs represented 29 percent of the total landed costs of shipping soybeans to Shanghai through Santos, compared with 34 percent in 2008, and 45 percent in 2006.

Cost of transporting soybeans from Brazil to Shanghai, China

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

% 

Change 

16-17

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

% 

Change 

16-17

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 111.78 116.40 103.90 86.04 75.49 92.95 23.1 25.83 23.26 24.56 26.37 18.38 30.72 67.1Ocean 49.70 40.96 36.85 23.81 16.63 26.88 61.7 49.69 41.52 37.02 25.31 20.50 27.30 33.2Total transportation 161.48 157.36 140.75 109.86 92.12 119.82 30.1 75.51 64.79 61.58 51.68 38.88 58.02 49.2Farm price3 483.31 415.28 388.33 295.17 331.91 293.60 -11.5 483.22 459.33 442.52 331.55 352.69 322.30 -8.6Landed cost 644.80 572.64 529.08 405.02 424.03 413.43 -2.5 558.73 524.11 504.10 383.23 391.57 380.32 -2.9Transport % of landed cost 28.4 28.4 27.8 27.1 21.9 29.0 32.5 13.7 12.3 12.2 13.5 9.9 15.3 54.1

North Center PR1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

South GO1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Truck 34.76 32.26 30.98 24.07 21.31 29.29 37.4 55.02 58.90 62.57 39.82 34.66 44.22 27.6Ocean 55.20 43.88 39.21 24.92 18.13 28.38 56.6 49.70 40.96 36.85 23.81 16.63 26.88 61.7Total transportation 89.96 76.15 70.19 48.99 39.44 57.66 46.2 104.72 99.86 99.42 63.63 51.28 71.09 38.6Farm price3 513.81 470.66 433.91 323.15 340.74 321.54 -5.6 479.80 428.06 401.49 304.36 329.15 301.99 -8.3Landed cost 603.76 546.80 504.10 372.14 380.18 379.20 -0.3 584.52 527.93 500.91 368.00 380.43 373.08 -1.9Transport % of landed cost 15.1 13.9 13.9 13.1 10.4 15.2 46.1 18.1 18.9 19.8 17.2 13.6 19.1 40.61Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná 2Export ports3Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
10

In 2017, Brazilian soybean transportation costs from Mato Grosso (MT), as a percentage of total landed costs increased 29 percent, and 40 percent from Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to Hamburg, Germany, from a year earlier.

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

% 

Change 

16-17

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

% 

Change 

16-17

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 111.78 116.40 103.90 86.04 75.49 92.95 23.1 25.83 23.26 24.56 26.37 23.85 30.72 28.8Ocean 31.75 29.50 27.75 19.75 18.13 24.50 35.2 33.15 29.50 27.00 20.25 17.25 25.50 47.8Total transportation 143.53 145.90 131.65 105.79 93.62 117.45 25.5 58.97 52.76 51.56 46.62 41.10 56.22 36.8Farm price3 483.31 415.28 388.33 295.17 331.91 293.60 -11.5 483.22 459.33 442.52 331.55 348.28 322.30 -7.5Landed cost 626.84 561.18 519.98 400.96 425.53 411.05 -3.4 542.19 512.09 494.08 378.17 389.37 378.52 -2.8Transport % of landed cost 23.3 26.0 25.3 26.3 22.1 28.6 29.1 11.0 10.3 10.5 12.3 10.6 14.9 40.3

North Center PR1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

South GO1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Truck 34.76 32.26 30.98 24.07 21.31 29.29 37.4 55.02 58.90 62.57 39.82 34.66 44.22 27.6Ocean 33.80 29.50 28.75 19.75 18.38 25.50 38.8 31.75 29.50 27.75 19.75 18.13 24.50 35.2Total transportation 68.56 61.76 59.73 43.82 39.69 54.79 38.0 86.77 88.40 90.32 59.57 52.78 68.72 30.2Farm price3 513.81 470.66 433.91 323.15 340.74 321.54 -5.6 479.80 428.06 401.49 304.36 329.15 301.99 -8.3Landed cost 582.36 532.42 493.64 366.97 380.43 376.32 -1.1 566.57 516.47 491.81 363.94 381.93 370.71 -2.9Transport % of landed cost 11.9 11.6 12.1 11.9 10.5 14.6 39.2 15.6 17.1 18.3 16.3 13.9 18.6 33.61Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná 2Export ports3Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Cost of transporting soybeans from Brazil to Hamburg, Germany
11

Transportation costs, from the selected route of the northern and northeastern ports, to Shanghai, China, and 

Hamburg increased.

Cost of transporting soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

2015 2016 2017 % Change 

2016-17 2015 2016 2017 % Change 2016-17

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 58.12 49.60 55.08 11.0 36.15 31.04 37.69 21.4

Ocean 26.56 21.54 30.75 42.8 26.56 19.48 29.56 51.8

Total transportation 84.68 71.14 85.83 20.7 62.72 50.52 67.25 33.1

Farm price3 295.17 331.91 293.60 -11.5 314.43 376.89 343.39 -8.9

Landed cost 379.84 403.05 379.43 -5.9 377.14 427.41 410.64 -3.9

Transport % of landed cost 23.3 20.2 22.7 12.0 16.6 12.0 16.4 37.1

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 43.0 34.23 44.44 29.8

Ocean 26.6 19.48 29.56 51.8

Total transportation 69.6 53.71 74.00 37.8

Farm price3 314.9 344.78 283.05 -17.9

Landed cost 384.5 398.49 357.05 -10.4

Transport % of landed cost 18.1 13.6 21.0 53.8

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Note: Data in bottom table was updated 9-13-18.
12

Cost of transporting soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

2015 2016 2017 % Change 

2016-17 2015 2016 2017 % Change 2016-17

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 58.12 49.60 55.08 11.0 36.15 31.04 37.69 21.4

Ocean 17.00 14.99 23.90 59.4 18.78 11.71 20.20 72.5

Total transportation 75.12 64.59 78.98 22.3 54.94 42.75 57.89 35.4

Farm price3 295.05 331.91 293.60 -11.5 314.43 376.89 343.39 -8.9

Landed cost 370.16 396.50 372.58 -6.0 369.36 419.64 401.28 -4.4

Transport % of landed cost 20.2 16.4 21.2 29.2 14.9 10.3 14.4 40.9

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 43.04 34.27 44.44 29.7

Ocean 18.78 11.71 20.20 72.5

Total transportation 61.83 45.98 64.64 40.6

Farm price3 314.90 344.78 283.05 -17.9

Landed cost 376.72 390.76 347.68 -11.0

Transport % of landed cost 16.4 11.9 18.9 59.0

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
13

In 2017, U.S. soybean transportation costs from Iowa through the U.S. Gulf to Hamburg, Germany, as a 

percentage of total landed costs, increased 2-4 percent due to higher transportation cost. The U.S. soybean 

transportation costs from Minnesota and Iowa through the U.S. Gulf to Shanghai, as a percentage of total 

landed costs, increased 12-15 percent compared with 2016.

Average cost of transporting U.S. soybeans to Hamburg, Germany, and Shanghai, China

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

% 

Change 

2016-17

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

% 

Change 

2016-17

To Hamburg, Germany

Minneapolis, Minnesota

—US$/mt—

Davenport, Iowa

—US$/mt—

Truck 11.29 11.56 13.04 10.23 10.36 12.71 22.7 11.29 11.56 13.04 10.23 10.36 12.71 22.7

Rail1 10.86 36.48 42.08 42.09 43.30 45.91 6.0 23.84 27.93 30.77 31.20 11.65 34.98 200.3

Barge2 28.53 25.79 37.45 27.49 24.32 22.62 -7.0 22.89 21.38 32.80 22.15 18.72 17.60 -6.0

Ocean3 20.29 22.87 20.24 14.32 13.83 15.46 11.8 20.29 22.87 20.24 14.32 19.20 15.47 -19.4

Total 

transportation4 68.02 69.34 81.25 62.56 59.33 62.26 4.9 60.52 62.79 73.77 54.50 51.19 54.53 6.5

Farm price5 507.43 511.04 455.47 342.91 335.81 338.20 0.7 510.13 517.78 458.07 344.69 340.89 344.53 1.1

Landed cost 575.45 580.38 536.72 405.47 395.14 400.46 1.3 570.64 580.57 531.84 399.19 392.08 399.06 1.8

Transport % of 

landed cost 11.9 12.0 15.3 15.3 15.1 15.5 2.4 10.7 10.9 14.1 13.6 13.1 13.6 3.6

To Shanghai, China

Minneapolis, Minnesota

—US$/mt—

Davenport, Iowa

—US$/mt—

Truck 11.29 11.56 13.04 14.13 10.36 12.71 22.7 11.29 11.56 13.04 10.23 10.36 12.71 22.7

Rail1 31.61 36.48 42.08 42.09 43.30 45.91 6.0 24.16 27.93 30.77 31.20 33.12 34.98 5.6

Barge2 28.53 25.79 37.45 27.49 24.32 22.62 -7.0 22.89 21.38 32.80 22.15 18.72 17.60 -6.0

Ocean3 46.98 46.76 45.72 30.09 26.65 38.37 44.0 46.98 46.76 45.72 30.09 26.65 38.37 44.0

Total 

transportation4 94.71 93.23 106.72 78.33 72.15 85.17 18.0 87.20 86.69 99.25 69.67 64.00 77.43 21.0

Farm price5 507.43 511.04 455.47 342.91 335.81 338.20 0.7 510.13 517.78 458.07 344.69 340.89 344.53 1.1

Landed cost 602.14 604.28 562.19 421.24 407.96 423.37 3.8 597.33 604.46 557.32 414.96 404.90 421.96 4.2

Transport % of 

landed cost 15.8 15.5 19.1 18.5 17.8 20.1 12.9 14.7 14.4 18.0 16.9 15.9 18.3 15.4

1

Rail rates include fuel surcharges, but do not include the cost of purchasing empty rail cars in the secondary rail markets, which could exceed the rail tariff 

rate plus fuel surcharge shown in the table.

2

The Mississippi River closes from Minneapolis to just north of St. Louis during mid-December to late March; The distance by barge between Minneapolis 

and Davenport to the Port of New Orleans is 1,713 and 1,343 miles, respectively.

3

Source: The Baltic Exchange and O’Neil Commodity Consulting; excludes handling charges.

4

The average of the sum of the total costs may not be equal to the sum of the individual average costs of truck, rail, barge, and ocean because rail is used 

only in the first quarter.

5

Source: USDA/NASS/Quick Stats database
14

The U.S. soybean transportation costs from North and South Dakota, via the Pacific Northwest to Shanghai, 

China, as a percentage of total landed cost, increased 9-10 percent from a year earlier.

Average cost of transporting U.S. soybeans to Shanghai, China

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

% 

Change

2016-17

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

% 

Change

2016-17

To Shanghai, China via PNW

Fargo, ND 

—US$/mt— 

Sioux Falls, SD

—US$/mt— 

Truck 11.56 13.04 10.23 10.36 12.71 22.7 11.56 13.04 10.23 10.44 12.71 21.8

Rail1 57.92 59.19 55.98 53.04 54.66 3.0 59.38 60.74 57.20 54.02 55.65 3.0

Ocean2 24.93 24.21 16.34 14.90 20.37 36.7 24.93 24.21 16.34 14.85 20.37 37.2

Total 

transportation

94.41 96.43 82.55 78.30 87.74 12.1 95.87 97.99 83.77 79.31 88.74 11.9

Farm price3 497.79 421.91 322.98 327.42 324.57 -0.9 504.56 437.89 329.87 328.98 328.98 0.0

Landed cost 592.20 518.34 405.52 405.72 412.31 1.6 600.43 535.88 413.64 408.29 417.72 2.3

Transport % of 

landed cost

16.0 18.8 20.4 19.3 21.3 10.2 16.0 18.5 20.3 19.4 21.2 9.3

1

Rail rates include fuel surcharges, but do not include the cost of purchasing empty rail cars in the secondary rail markets, which could exceed the rail 

tariff rate plus fuel surcharge shown in the table.

2

Source: O’Neil Commodity Consulting

3

Source: USDA/NASS/Quick Stats database

In 2017, the cost per metric ton to ship soybeans from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso (MT) to Shanghai, China, 

was $42.40 more than from Davenport, IA. Sorriso is located 1,190 miles from the port of Santos. Davenport 

is about 900 miles by truck, 908 miles by rail, and 1,343 miles by barge, from the Port of New Orleans.

Transportation cost differences between Mato Gross (MT) and Iowa (IA) to Shanghai, China

Source: USDA/AMS
15

In 2017, the cost of shipping a metric ton of soybeans from Cruz Alta, Northwest Rio Grande do Sul (RS), to 

Shanghai, China, was $19.40 less than from Davenport, IA. The cost advantage narrowed from 2016 as an 

increase in Brazil trucking rates more than offset a bigger rise in ocean freight costs from the U.S. Gulf. The 

distance from Cruz Alta to the port of Rio Grande is 288 miles. 

Transportation cost differences between Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Iowa (IA) to Shanghai, China

Source: USDA/AMS

During 2017, Sorriso, North MT, soybean shippers to Shanghai paid $32-$42 per metric ton more than U.S. 

exporters, through the U.S. Gulf and PNW routes; $62 more than the transportation cost paid by Cruz Alta (RS) 

shippers; and nearly $53 more than the transportation cost paid by South Maranhão (MA) shippers to São Luís.

Transportation cost differences between selected Brazil-United States Routes to Shanghai, 

China, 2017

Source: USDA/AMS
16

In 2017, truck rates (valued in reais) from Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to Rio Grande, and from Sorriso, 

North Mato Grosso (MT) to Santos and Paranaguá; an increase of 10-17 percent compared with 2016.

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export routes, 2012-2017

Route 

# Origin1

(reference city) Destination Distance2

(miles)

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 % 

change 

2016-17

Reais/metric ton

1 Northwest RS3 (Cruz Alta) Rio Grande 288 50.35 49.90 57.52 87.26 83.70 97.91 17.0

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1190 218.00 250.60 243.68 283.84 263.26 296.36 12.6

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1262 212.49 241.25 236.81 282.66 259.49 285.12 9.9

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 107.31 126.98 146.51 130.98 121.33 140.95 16.2

6 North Center PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 67.92 69.02 72.47 79.44 74.77 93.34 24.8

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 164.92 190.65 185.01 193.85 179.27 202.86 13.2

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 --na-- --na-- --na-- 137.56 145.97 190.01 30.2

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 --na-- --na-- --na-- 190.47 174.02 175.70 1.0

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 --na-- --na-- --na-- 119.23 107.94 120.16 11.3

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 --na-- --na-- --na-- 141.03 119.74 141.67 18.3

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 --na-- --na-- --na-- 65.77 62.95 79.64 26.5

33 East TO(Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 --na-- --na-- --na-- 184.72 175.24 196.74 12.3

1

Although each origin region comprises several cities, the main city is considered as a reference to establish the freight price.

2

Distance from the main city of the considered region to the mentioned ports.

3

RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná, MG = Minas Gerais, BA = Bahia, MS = Mato Grosso Do Sul, SP = 

São Paulo, MA = Maranahão, PI = Piauí, PA = Pará, and TO = Tocantins

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
17

In 2017, selected Brazilian export truck routes, measured in reais (R$), saw proportionally higher 

transportation costs, than those estimated in U.S. dollars, due to the appreciation of the Brazilian real (R$) 

against the U.S. dollar. Truck rates from Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to Rio Grande increased 17 percent. 

Truck rates from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso (MT) to Santos and Paranaguá increased 10-13 percent. In 2017, 

the Brazilian real (R$) appreciated nearly 9 percent against the U.S. dollar, compared with 2016, from R$3.50 

per U.S. dollar to R$3.19.

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export routes, 2012-2017

Route 

# Origin1

(reference city) Destination Distance2

(miles)

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 % 

change 

2016-17

US$/metric ton

1 Northwest RS3 (Cruz Alta) Rio Grande 288 25.83 23.26 24.56 26.37 23.85 30.72 28.8

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1190 111.78 116.40 103.90 86.04 75.49 92.95 23.1

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1262 108.93 111.93 100.89 85.68 74.42 89.41 20.1

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 55.02 58.90 62.57 39.82 34.66 44.22 27.6

6 North Center PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 34.76 32.26 30.98 24.07 21.31 29.29 37.4

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 84.42 88.66 79.00 58.82 51.29 63.63 24.1

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 --na-- --na-- --na-- 41.70 41.72 59.65 43.0

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 --na-- --na-- --na-- 58.12 49.60 55.08 11.0

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 --na-- --na-- --na-- 36.15 31.04 37.69 21.4

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 --na-- --na-- --na-- 43.04 34.23 44.44 29.8

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 --na-- --na-- --na-- 19.82 17.93 25.00 39.4

33 East TO(Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 --na-- --na-- --na-- 56.78 50.55 61.69 22.1

1

Although each origin region comprises several cities, the main city is considered as a reference to establish the freight price.

2

Distance from the main city of the considered region to the mentioned ports.

3

RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná, MG = Minas Gerais, BA = Bahia, MS = Mato Grosso Do Sul, SP = 

São Paulo, MA = Maranahão, PI = Piauí, PA = Pará, and TO = Tocantins

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
18

The Brazilian soybean export transportation cost index increased, in 2017. The cost of shipping a metric ton 

(mt) of soybeans, 100 miles by truck, rose from $6.78 in 2016 to $8.82 in 2017.

Brazilian soybean export truck cost index

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Brazil is the largest soybean exporting country, followed by the United States, Argentina, Paraguay, and Canada. 

In 2017, Santos was the largest Brazil soybean export port, followed by Rio Grande, Paranaguá, São Luís, and 

São Francisco do Sul. These 5 ports accounted for 75 percent of total exports. Soybean trade is still dominated 

by the southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São Francisco do Sul, accounting for 66 percent 

of Brazil’s soybean exports. Approximately 26 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports were shipped through the 

northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena. Nearly 6 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports 

were exported through the Amazon River ports of Manaus and Santarém.

Brazil soybean exports by port

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
19

In 2017, ocean rates from the Port of Santos to Shanghai, China, increased nearly 62 percent, compared with 

2016 rates, averaging $26.88/mt. Ocean rates to Hamburg increased 35 percent, from 2016 rates, averaging 

$24.50/mt. Ocean rates from the southern Brazilian ports, increased 35-41 percent to Hamburg and 56-62 

percent to China, due to higher grain exports, increases in bunker fuel prices, and strong iron ore trade.

Brazilian soybean ocean freight from Santos to Shanghai and Hamburg, 2017

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Brazilian soybean ocean freight from selected ports to Shanghai, China, 2017

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
20

The cost to ship 1 mt of soybeans from Brazil to Hamburg, by ocean-going vessel, increased on average 38 

percent, from $18.21/mt to $25.17/mt.

Ocean rates from Brazil to Hamburg, Germany, increased in 2017

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

In 2017, the cost to ship 1 mt of soybeans from Brazil to Shanghai, by ocean vessel, increased nearly 59 percent 

on average, from $17.33/mt to $27.52/mt. 

Ocean rates from Brazil to Shanghai, China, increased in 2017
21

In 2017, farm prices in the Brazilian real (R$) declined, on average, nearly 16 percent. Mato Grosso (MT) 

and Rio Grande do Sul (RS) farm prices decreased 18 and 15 percent, respectively, in 2017. However, when 

farm prices were measured in U.S. dollars, they decreased proportionally less, about 0.4 and 18 percent, 

respectively, from a year earlier. The difference was due to a nearly 9 percent gain in value of the Brazilian real 

against the U.S. dollar.

Selected Brazilian farm prices

RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO= Goiás, PR=Paraná

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)

RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO= Goiás, PR=Paraná

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)

Selected Brazilian farm prices
22

In 2017, the Brazilian real (R$) appreciated nearly 9 percent against the U.S. dollar, compared with 2016, 

from R$3.50 per U.S. dollar to R$3.19. Most of the real appreciation occurred in the first half of the year. The 

currency lost some value during the second half of the year. This may have partly contributed to the higher 

than usual percentage of soybean shipments that occurred in the September-December period, although crop 

production was also an all-time high.

Average quarterly exchange rate, real per U.S. dollar

Source: Banco Central do Brasil

More than 60 percent of and U.S. and Brazilian cargo is moved by truck.

U.S.-Brazil modal share for general cargo

*Ocean, air, pipeline, multiplemodes, etc.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 2009 latest data available and the Confederação 

Nacional do Transporte (CNT) 2017 
23

Brazil New Hours-of-Service Rule. On July 17, 2012, the Brazilian government implemented the first hoursof-service rules, called the “Driver’s Law,” to address safety issues. The new law reduced the number of hours 

a truck driver can work in a 24-hour period, likely raising transportation costs. The law is enforced by the 

Ministry of Labor and Transportation. Noncompliance with the law would result in a fine to the driver and the 

vehicle may be withheld until full rest is reached or the driver is replaced. 

U.S.-Brazil Hours of Service Rules. The Brazilian rules are based on a 24-hour duty limit. The United States 

rules are based on a daily window of 14 hours with a maximum of 11 hours of driving and a 60/70-hour 

weekly on-duty limit (table 1). Brazilian drivers have a daily duty window of 13 hours with a maximum of 10 

hours driving limit for every 24 hours of travel and a mandatory 35 hour weekly rest period. The U.S. duty 

limits are based on 60 hours over 7 consecutive days or 70 hours over 8 consecutive days with a voluntary 34 

consecutive hour restart provision to begin a new weekly on−duty limit period. Brazilian rules require a 30−

minute break every 4 hours of uninterrupted driving. Effective July 1, 2013, U.S. drivers are required to take a 

30-minute break if 8 hours have passed since their last off−duty period.

The United States first hours-of-service rules were issued in 1938. Since then, the law has been revised 

several times. In 1995, an agricultural exception for the planting and harvesting season was added. The 

current agricultural exemption states that drivers transporting agricultural commodities or farm supplies for 

agricultural purposes are exempt from hours-of-service rules within a 150-air-mile radius of the source of the 

agricultural commodity or the wholesale/retail distribution point of the farm supplies, within or across State 

lines, during the planting and harvesting seasons as determined by each state.

Regulation United States Brazil

Daily duty limit* 14 consecutive hours 13 consecutive hours

Driving limit Maximum of 11 hours (after 10 consecutive hours off duty) within the 

14 hour daily duty limit

10 hours ( 8 hrs. regular time + 2 

hours of compensatory time) within 

the 13 hours limit

Daily rest requirement 10 hours, not based on a 24-hour period 11 hours every 24 hours 

Weekly rest

Voluntary 34 consecutive hour or more 

restart provision to begin a new 7 or 8 day on−duty** period (see 

weekly limits)

35 hours

Breaks 30 minute off-duty break before 8 hours have passed since their last 

of off-duty period. Effective July 1, 2013

30 minute break every 4 hours of 

driving and 1 hour for meals

Weekly limits 60/70−Duty limit: drivers are not allowed to be on−duty more than 60 

hours over 7 consecutive days or 70 hours over 8 consecutive days

Restart provision Drivers are allowed to use the voluntary 34-hour restart provision to 

begin a new 7 or 8 day on-duty**

Adverse driving conditions 

exception1

2 extra hours more than allowed under 

normal conditions

1 extra hour

*Include work, meals, and mandatory rest

**On- duty time includes all time drivers are working for a motor carrier, whether paid or not, and all time the driver is doing paid work for anyone else such as 

time at plant terminal, loading, unloading, handling paper work, drug and alcohol testing, inspecting or servicing the truck (fueling and washing the truck); The 

restart provision can only be used once per week and must include two periods from 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM, based on home terminal time. It is intended to provide 

sufficient time for a driver to recuperate from cumulative fatigue if they work beyond the weekly maximum on-duty limits.

1

 Means the driver did not know about the conditions when starting the run such as snow, fog or shutdown traffic due to a crash. It does not include situations 

that the driver should know about, like congested traffic during typical rush hour.

1

 Means the driver did not know about the conditions when starting the run such as snow, fog or shutdown traffic due to a crash. It does not include situations 

that the driver should know about, like congested traffic during typical rush hour.
24

Transportation Infrastructure Develop

The Brazilian government plans to change the current cargo transportation matrix by developing an integrated 

intermodal system. The expectation is that within 15 to 20 years, railways’ participation will increase from 25 

to 35 percent; waterways from 13 to 29 percent; and truck shipments will be reduced by 28 percent, from 58 

to 30 percent. To modify the transportation matrix, in January 2007, the Brazilian government created the 

Growth Acceleration Plan 1 (PAC 1) to promote sustainable social and economic development by generating 

employment, income, and reducing regional inequalities. During that same year, the PAC 1 was integrated 

into the National Plan of Logistics and Transportation (PNLT). The Ministry of Transportation and Defense 

executes the PNLT by allocating funds in three phases, from 2008 to 2023. In March of 2010, the Government 

announced the second Growth Acceleration Plan (PAC 2), 2011-2014.

In 2015, the Brazilian government created the Integrated Logistics National Plan (PNLI). The PNLI’s major 

objective is to identify, analyze and determine the critical points of the cargo and passenger transportation 

infrastructure, and propose solutions to the country’s demands for transport. The government implemented 

a strategic planning technique to leverage its existing programs and projects, with important guidelines set by 

Federal government plans such as the Growth Acceleration Program, the Logistics Investment Program (LIP), 

and the PNLI, to increase transportation efficiencies. It adjusted the transport matrix by focusing on increasing 

the capacity of transport routes to achieve greater competitiveness, at national and international levels.

The 2015 transportation assessment report, and the ninth evaluation results of Growth Acceleration Program 

2 (PAC 2), 2011-2014, showed that Brazil did not finish the projects as planned. However, the Central West 

agricultural exporters in Brazil benefited from selected strategic port improvements, extended railways miles, 

and a new intermodal grain terminal. 

In 2016, the Brazilian government launched Project Crescer and the Investment Partnerships Program, to 

reestablish confidence and restore a favorable investment environment to stimulate the economy. With both 

projects, the government implemented new decision making processes for prioritization and follow-up, that 

will be executed through concession, public-private partnership, and privatizations. The government also 

established guidelines to manage the projects’ portfolios with maximum transparency and efficiency. 

In March 2017, the Brazilian government narrowed the scope of the infrastructure plan by offering technically 

and economically feasible projects to the private sector to improve quality of services. The list of infrastructure 

projects includes port terminals, transmission lines, railways, sanitation companies, and highways, with 

estimated investments exceeding $13.2 billion1 (R$45 billion).

1 Exchange rate of $3.4196 real per U.S. dollar, April 16, 2018
25

Project Crescer: Selected infrastructure projects that facilitate exports of agricultural products

The plan includes three Railroads: 

1. The North-South (EF-151) 

railroad: Porto National, 

Tocantins (TO)-Estela 

D’Oeste, São Paulo (SP). 

This railroad integrates 

four States: TO, Goiás 

(GO), Minas Gerais (MG), 

and SP with access to the 

northeastern port of ItaquíSâo Luis, Maranhão (MA). 

This is a work in progress, 

with more than 90 percent 

of infrastructure finished. 

2. The West-East Integration 

(FIOL) Railroad (EF-334): 

Ilheusin-Caetité-Port of 

Ilhéus Bahia (BA). It is 

designed to interconnect 

the North and Northeast 

regions of Brazil. FIOL will 

haul grains from West 

Bahia (BA) and iron ore 

typical of the Caetité region, 

Central BA. The project is 

being studied.

3. Ferrogrão Railroad (EF-170). The purpose is to consolidate the new Brazilian export rail corridor 

of the “Arco Norte” by connecting the grain-producing region of the Midwest to the State 

of Pará, ending at Miritituba Port. The EF-170 is expected to increase transport capacity and 

competitiveness to the corridor, and alleviate traffic conditions on highway BR-163 by opening a 

new route for soybean and corn exports. 

Port of Santos: The Brazilian government plans to improve efficiency by adding new investments to the 

“Santos CV’s Terminal XXXIX- Caramuru”, Ponta da Praia. This will increase capacity from 2.5 to 5 million tons 

per year. This terminal is the most important area for grain exports at the Port of Santos, São Paulo, which is 

the top Brazilian public port.

Port of Rio de Janeiro: Consórcio Maravilha (Bunge Alimentos S/A and M. Dias Branco Indústria e Comércio 

de Alimentos) will build “Terminal RDJ XX - Rio de Janeiro”. The terminal will handle solid bulk of plant origin, 

especially wheat. It is located inside the Port of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Brazil’s wheat production is not enough 

to satisfy its domestic market. Therefore, the country imports wheat, mostly from Argentina, with a cargo 

maximum cargo of 30,000 tons/ship.

Source: Projeto Crescer, http://www.projetocrescer.gov.br/projects, accessed 

April 4, 2017
26

Private Investment at Miritituba Facilitates Grain Flows through Santarem and Barcarena 

On April 25, 2014, Bunge created a new export route from Miritituba to Barcarena (Vila do Conde), adding 

a new gateway to grain exports from North Mato Grosso (MT). Savings from efficiencies gained at the 

Miritituba’s transshipment terminal offset the cost of shipping grain, through the Panama Canal to China. 

The Amazon River ports of Santarém and Barcarena also saw increased competitiveness to Europe, Middle 

East, and Mexico. By August 2017, three barge companies (Betolini, Hidrovias to Brazil, and Companhia Norte 

de Navegacão de Porto (CIANPORT)), and Cargill built additional terminals at Miritituta. CIANPORT is a joint 

venture between Fiagril (Lucas do Rio Verde) and Agrosoja (Sorriso). Barcarena is MT’s second largest soybean 

export port, after Santos. 

Since 2014, North MT shifted soybean shipments to Barcarena, from the ports of Rio Grande (RS), São 

Francisco do Sul (SC), Vitória (ES), Paranaguá (PR), and São Luís (MA). The channel depth at Barcarena-Vila do 

Conde is 13.5 meters during the dry season, and 17-17.5 meters during the rainy season. The grain exported 

through this port uses Panamax vessels. Export capacity is limited to Panamax vessels because the depth of the 

Quiriri channel to the Atlantic Ocean is 13.3 meters. Post-Panamax vessels require 17 meters channel depth. 

There is a proposed project to dredge the Quiriri channel to 14.3 meters. Miritituba and Barcarena have static 

storage capacity of 400,000 and 500,000 metric tons (mt), respectively. Both have a long-term export capacity 

of about 15-18 million mt.

Brazilian Northern Arc ports

Source: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

The Northern Arc ports complex includes: Itacoatiara/Manaus (Amazon River), Santarém (Amazon River), 

Barcarena (Pará River), São Luís (Maranhão, MA), Porto Velho (MT) and Miritituba (PA) (Barge transshipment 

terminals). 
27

BR-163 Status 

The distance by truck from 

Sorriso, North MT, the largest 

grain producing state of Brazil, 

to Miritituba is 663 miles (1,067 

km), via BR-163. Currently, it 

takes 3 days to ship grain to 

Miritituba because of the poor 

condition of the last 62 miles 

(100 km of unpaved road) of 

BR-163, connecting Sorriso to 

Miritituba. Travel time will be 

reduced to 1.5 days after paving 

of this section is finished. 

The Brazilian government 

announced that the last 62 

miles of BR-163 connecting 

Sorriso to Miritituba will be 

finished in two sections: 

• The junction between 

BR 230, “Rodovia 

Transamazônica” (PA), 

and Vila Planalto is under 

construction (22 miles)

• The Army Engineer 

Construction Battalion (BEC) 

will pave the remaining 

40 miles, from Novo 

Progresso to Igarapé do 

Lauro, between September 

and December of 2018.

Source: Ministry of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, http://www.transportes.gov.br/

ultimas-noticias/5075-at%C3%A9-o-final-de-2018,-br-163-pa-estar%C3%A1-pavimentadaat%C3%A9-miritituba.html, accessed April 17, 2018
28

 Brazil Modal share for general cargo, 2017-2025

Source: : Brazil Ministry of Transportation, National Plan of Logistics & Transportation (PNLT) and Confederação Nacional do 

Transporte (CNT) 2017
29

Transportation Indicat

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports 

to Shanghai, China

 2017

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 93.28 90.63 102.87 85.01 92.95 90.67 87.47 95.36 84.12 89.41

Ocean 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00 26.88 20.50 30.50 31.00 31.50 28.38

Total transportation 111.78 119.63 132.87 115.01 119.82 111.17 117.97 126.36 115.62 117.78

Farm price3 314.10 275.60 288.62 296.10 293.60 314.10 275.60 288.62 296.10 293.60

Landed cost 425.88 395.23 421.49 411.11 413.43 425.27 393.57 414.98 411.72 411.38

Transport % of landed cost 26.2 30.3 31.5 28.0 29.0 26.1 30.0 30.4 28.1 28.7

Southeast MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

North Central PR1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 66.68 61.94 67.29 58.60 63.63 31.26 28.25 30.69 26.94 29.29

Ocean 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00 26.88 20.50 30.50 31.00 31.50 28.38

Total transportation 85.18 90.94 97.29 88.60 90.50 51.76 58.75 61.69 58.44 57.66

Farm price3 314.10 275.60 288.62 296.10 293.60 344.08 304.50 313.53 324.03 321.54

Landed cost 399.27 366.54 385.91 384.70 384.11 395.85 363.25 375.23 382.47 379.20

Transport % of landed cost 21.3 24.8 25.2 23.0 23.6 13.1 16.2 16.4 15.3 15.2

South GO1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 46.97 43.39 45.99 40.52 44.22 33.20 30.66 30.00 29.03 30.72

Ocean 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00 26.88 18.00 29.50 31.00 30.70 27.30

Total transportation 65.47 72.39 75.99 70.52 71.09 51.20 60.16 61.00 59.73 58.02

Farm price3 332.40 281.73 291.58 302.26 301.99 347.99 302.06 317.17 321.99 322.30

Landed cost 397.86 354.12 367.57 372.78 373.08 399.19 362.22 378.16 381.72 380.32

Transport % of landed cost 16.5 20.4 20.7 18.9 19.1 12.8 16.6 16.1 15.6 15.3

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br; na: not available

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
30

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports 

to Hamburg, Germany

 2017

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 93.28 90.63 102.87 85.01 92.95 90.67 87.47 95.36 84.12 89.41

Ocean 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00 24.50 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00 25.50

Total transportation 114.28 114.63 128.87 112.01 117.45 112.67 112.47 122.36 112.12 114.91

Farm price3 314.10 275.60 288.62 296.10 293.60 314.10 275.60 288.62 296.10 293.60

Landed cost 428.38 390.23 417.49 408.11 411.05 426.77 388.07 410.98 408.22 408.51

Transport % of landed cost 26.7 29.4 30.9 27.4 28.6 26.4 29.0 29.8 27.5 28.2

Southeast MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

North Central PR1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 66.68 61.94 67.29 58.60 63.63 31.26 28.25 30.69 26.94 29.29

Ocean 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00 24.50 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00 25.50

Total transportation 87.68 85.94 93.29 85.60 88.13 53.26 53.25 57.69 54.94 54.79

Farm price3 314.10 275.60 288.62 296.10 293.60 344.08 304.50 313.53 324.03 321.54

Landed cost 401.77 361.54 381.91 381.70 381.73 397.35 357.75 371.23 378.97 376.32

Transport % of landed cost 21.8 23.8 24.4 22.4 23.1 13.4 14.9 15.5 14.5 14.6

South GO1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 46.97 43.39 45.99 40.52 44.22 33.20 30.66 30.00 29.03 30.72

Ocean 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00 24.50 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00 25.50

Total transportation 67.97 67.39 71.99 67.52 68.72 55.20 55.66 57.00 57.03 56.22

Farm price3 332.40 281.73 291.58 302.26 301.99 347.99 302.06 317.17 321.99 322.30

Landed cost 400.36 349.12 363.57 369.78 370.7 403.19 357.72 374.16 379.02 378.52

Transport % of landed cost 17.0 19.3 19.8 18.3 18.6 13.7 15.6 15.2 15.0 14.9

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br; na: not available

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
31

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Shanghai, China

 2017

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 53.28 53.69 58.19 55.15 55.08 38.56 38.89 39.78 33.52 37.69

Ocean 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50 30.75 23.50 30.25 31.00 33.50 29.56

Total transportation 77.28 87.19 89.19 89.65 85.83 62.06 69.14 70.78 67.02 67.25

Farm price3 314.10 275.60 288.62 296.10 293.60 356.01 327.17 340.58 349.81 343.39

Landed cost 391.38 362.78 377.81 385.75 379.43 418.07 396.30 411.37 416.83 410.64

Transport % of landed cost 19.7 24.0 23.6 23.2 22.7 14.8 17.4 17.2 16.1 16.4

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 45.60 44.05 48.27 39.83 44.44

Ocean 23.50 30.25 31.00 33.50 29.56

Total transportation 69.10 74.30 79.27 73.33 74.00

Farm price3 210.49 304.16 306.34 311.19 283.05

Landed cost 279.59 378.46 385.61 384.52 357.05

Transport % of landed cost 24.7 19.6 20.6 19.1 21.0

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br; 

na: not available

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Note: Data in bottom table was updated 9-13-18.
32

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Hamburg, Germany

 2017

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 53.28 53.69 58.19 55.15 55.08 38.56 38.89 39.78 33.52 37.69

Ocean 21.00 23.60 25.00 26.00 23.90 17.60 20.00 21.20 22.00 20.20

Total transportation 74.28 77.29 83.19 81.15 78.98 56.16 58.89 60.98 55.52 57.89

Farm price3 314.10 275.60 288.62 296.10 293.60 356.01 327.17 340.58 349.81 343.39

Landed cost 388.38 352.88 371.81 377.25 372.58 412.17 386.05 401.57 405.33 401.28

Transport % of landed cost 19.1 21.9 22.4 21.5 21.2 13.6 15.3 15.2 13.7 14.4

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 45.60 44.05 48.27 39.83 44.44

Ocean 17.60 20.00 21.20 22.00 20.20

Total transportation 63.20 64.05 69.47 61.83 64.64

Farm price3 210.49 304.16 306.34 311.19 283.05 

Landed cost 273.69 368.21 375.81 373.01 347.68 

Transport % of landed cost 23.1 17.4 18.5 16.6 18.9

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br; 

na: not available

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
33

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2017

Route # Origin1

(reference city) Destination Distance(miles)2

Share 

(%)3

Freight Price (US$)

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

 (per 100 miles)4

1 Northwest RS5 (Cruz Alta) Rio Grande 288 11.8 11.53 10.65 10.42 10.08 10.67

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.2 7.84 7.62 8.64 7.14 7.81

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 3.0 7.18 6.93 7.56 6.67 7.08

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 4.3 8.00 7.39 7.84 6.90 7.53

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 3.5 7.82 7.50 8.18 7.05 7.64

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.5 11.67 10.54 11.45 10.05 10.93

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.8 10.89 10.05 11.05 9.52 10.38

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 2.3 11.17 10.29 11.07 9.53 10.51

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 2.7 9.84 9.02 9.50 8.45 9.20

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 5.7 8.41 8.79 8.89 7.78 8.46

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.7 7.40 6.88 7.47 6.50 7.06

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.5 6.66 6.48 7.11 6.33 6.64

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.1 8.48 7.92 8.45 7.61 8.11

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 2.9 8.14 7.87 8.53 7.23 7.94

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 1.8 8.45 7.98 8.76 7.45 8.16

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 1.8 9.02 8.60 9.17 7.96 8.69

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.9 9.64 8.74 9.49 8.19 9.01

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.3 16.61 14.74 15.91 13.72 15.24

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.2 14.14 13.51 14.43 12.18 13.57

20

North Central MS 

(São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.1 7.14 6.80 7.33 6.36 6.91

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.0 9.47 8.65 9.25 8.00 8.84

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 2.7 8.00 8.09 8.07 6.63 7.70

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 0.0 7.27 6.84 7.35 6.42 6.97

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 3.0 6.90 7.42 7.72 6.45 7.12

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 3.4 10.14 9.55 8.24 9.13 9.27

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.8 14.04 13.55 13.84 11.97 13.35

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.7 9.05 9.38 9.77 7.32 8.88

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 6.0 7.44 7.49 7.92 6.62 7.37

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.3 6.08 6.13 6.64 6.30 6.29

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.2 8.01 8.07 8.26 6.96 7.83

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.2 7.53 7.27 7.97 6.57 7.33

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.1 10.96 9.99 10.03 9.26 10.06

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.5 7.46 8.47 7.13 6.25 7.33

Average 587 100.0 9.18 8.82 9.18 8.08 8.82

1

Although each origin region comprises several cities, the main city is considered as a reference to establish the freight price; na = 

not available

2

Distance from the main city of the considered region to the mentioned ports

3

Share is measured as a percentage of total production

4

US$ per metric ton (average monthly exchange rate from “Banco Central do Brasil” was used to convert Brazilian reais to the U.S. 

dollar)

5

RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná, MG = Minas Gerais, BA = Bahia, MS = Mato Grosso do Sul, SP 

= São Paulo, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão, PA = Pará, TO = Tocantins

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
34

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2013-2017

Route 

#

Origin1

(reference city) Destination Distance(miles)2

Share 

(%)3

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Percent 

change 

2016-18

Freight price

(US$ per metric ton)4

1 Northwest RS5 (Cruz Alta) Rio Grande 288 11.5 23.26 24.56 26.4 23.8 30.72 28.8

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.2 116.40 103.90 86.0 75.5 92.95 23.1

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 3.1 111.93 100.89 85.7 74.4 89.41 20.1

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.6 58.90 62.57 39.8 34.7 44.22 27.6

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.5 68.08 60.73 49.7 43.8 55.45 26.7

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.9 32.26 30.98 24.1 21.3 29.29 37.4

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 3.0 33.23 33.68 27.0 23.7 32.28 36.1

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 2.8 40.42 57.45 31.8 27.1 35.64 31.3

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 3.0 39.53 43.83 30.1 26.9 34.69 29.0

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 4.1 56.96 54.80 40.7 35.3 45.29 28.1

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 3.0 88.66 79.00 58.8 51.3 63.63 24.1

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.8 75.43 67.65 61.6 53.5 64.78 21.2

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 2.8 57.46 55.70 43.3 38.6 49.65 28.7

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 2.7 66.82 66.79 46.4 40.7 51.77 27.2

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 2.1 46.89 43.84 39.2 34.5 44.87 29.9

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 1.9 67.47 69.48 45.7 40.3 50.83 26.1

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 2.2 38.48 37.73 22.6 20.0 27.58 37.7

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.7 25.08 24.65 15.1 12.7 19.82 56.6

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.3 30.46 29.08 22.2 20.1 27.67 37.7

20

North Central MS 

(São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 1.9 64.58 64.67 44.9 39.1 49.73 27.1

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.0 35.15 34.91 23.3 20.3 27.76 36.5

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 2.8 99.10 87.11 63.7 60.6 73.12 20.7

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 0.0 69.28 71.05 38.3 32.7 42.31 29.6

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 2.4 53.29 56.47 70.3 60.2 76.55 27.2

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.6 28.20 26.44 21.7 19.6 25.30 28.9

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.8 36.59 37.05 30.3 26.4 38.85 47.2

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.7 --na-- --na-- 41.7 41.7 59.65 43.0

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 6.1 --na-- --na-- 40.3 40.5 46.56 15.0

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.4 --na-- --na-- 58.1 49.6 55.08 11.0

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.0 --na-- --na-- 36.2 31.0 37.69 21.4

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 1.3 --na-- --na-- 43.0 34.2 44.44 29.8

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 0.6 --na-- --na-- 19.8 17.9 25.00 39.4

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.4 --na-- --na-- 56.8 50.5 61.69 22.1

Average 587 100.0 58.24 57.03 45.0 39.8 51.79 30.1

1

Although each origin region comprises several cities, the main city is considered as a reference to establish the freight price; na = not 

available

2

Distance from the main city of the considered region to the mentioned ports

3

Share is measured as a percentage of total production

4

US$ per metric ton (average monthly exchange rate from “Banco Central do Brasil” was used to convert Brazilian reais to the U.S. 

dollar)

5

RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná, MG = Minas Gerais, BA = Bahia, MS = Mato Grosso do Sul, SP = 

São Paulo, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão, PA = Pará, TO = Tocantins

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
35

Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation route

Source:ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Source:ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Truck rates for selected north, south, and northeastern Brazilian 

soybean export transportation route
36

Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2015-2017

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS. Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

Brazilian soybean export increases and truck cost declines for selected routes
37

Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index

Month Freight price* 

(per 100 miles)

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan. 05 = 100) Month Freight price* (per 100 miles)

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan. 05 = 100)

Jan-10 9.17 1.7 158.10 Jan-14 8.86 -0.6 152.73

Feb-10 9.99 8.9 172.16 Feb-14 10.34 16.7 178.24

Mar-10 10.77 7.8 185.67 Mar-14 11.61 12.3 200.13

Apr-10 10.91 1.3 188.10 Apr-14 11.35 -2.2 195.65

May-10 10.80 -1.1 186.10 May-14 10.90 -4.0 187.89

Jun-10 10.61 15.7 182.95 Jun-14 10.34 -5.1 178.24

Jul-10 10.86 2.3 187.14 Jul-14 10.16 -1.7 175.21

Aug-10 11.21 3.3 193.23 Aug-14 10.10 -0.6 174.08

Sep-10 11.46 2.2 197.57 Sep-14 9.66 -4.3 166.54

Oct-10 11.51 0.4 198.41 Oct-14 8.77 -9.3 151.13

Nov-10 10.86 -5.6 187.20 Nov-14 8.36 -4.6 144.16

Dec-10 10.72 -1.3 184.79 Dec-14 7.96 -4.9 137.15

Jan-11 10.84 1.1 186.89 Jan-15 8.01 0.7 138.15

Feb-11 11.21 3.4 193.30 Feb-15 8.02 0.1 138.29

Mar-11 12.07 7.6 208.04 Mar-15 8.32 3.7 143.44

Apr-11 13.30 10.2 229.22 Apr-15 9.00 8.2 155.13

May-11 12.01 -9.7 207.04 May-15 8.39 -6.8 144.58

Jun-11 12.25 2.0 211.20 Jun-15 8.01 -4.5 138.12

Jul-11 12.72 3.9 219.34 Jul-15 7.56 -5.7 130.25

Aug-11 12.64 -0.7 217.84 Aug-15 7.38 -2.4 127.15

Sep-11 11.43 -9.6 196.95 Sep-15 6.60 -10.5 113.78

Oct-11 11.09 -3.0 191.10 Oct-15 6.70 1.5 115.43

Nov-11 10.70 -3.4 184.52 Nov-15 7.08 5.8 122.08

Dec-11 10.04 -6.2 173.00 Dec-15 6.76 -4.5 116.56

Jan-12 10.20 1.7 175.90 Jan-16 6.42 -5.1 110.63

Feb-12 10.76 5.4 185.45 Feb-16 6.73 4.8 115.98

Mar-12 10.55 -2.0 181.82 Mar-16 7.79 15.8 134.33

Apr-12 10.45 -1.0 180.06 Apr-16 8.30 6.5 143.05

May-12 9.64 -7.7 166.20 May-16 7.28 -12.3 125.43

Jun-12 9.37 -2.9 161.44 Jun-16 7.16 -1.5 123.51

Jul-12 9.76 4.2 168.16 Jul-16 7.46 4.2 128.64

Aug-12 10.17 4.3 175.33 Aug-16 7.33 -1.7 126.41

Sep-12 10.30 1.3 177.54 Sep-16 6.35 -13.3 109.53

Oct-12 10.13 -1.6 174.66 Oct-16 5.88 -7.5 101.35

Nov-12 9.84 -2.8 169.69 Nov-16 5.00 -14.9 86.21

Dec-12 9.73 -1.1 167.74 Dec-16 5.47 9.4 94.32

Jan-13 10.11 3.9 174.31 Jan-17 7.32 33.8 126.20

Feb-13 10.79 6.7 185.96 Feb-17 9.85 34.6 169.85

Mar-13 11.14 3.3 192.04 Mar-17 10.38 5.3 178.90

Apr-13 10.95 -1.7 188.71 Apr-17 9.52 -8.3 164.05

May-13 10.40 -5.0 179.31 May-17 8.75 -8.0 150.90

Jun-13 9.49 -8.8 163.61 Jun-17 8.18 -6.5 141.04

Jul-13 9.65 1.7 166.41 Jul-17 8.74 6.8 150.66

Aug-13 9.80 1.5 168.95 Aug-17 9.85 12.7 169.76

Sep-13 10.21 4.2 176.02 Sep-17 8.97 -9.0 154.55

Oct-13 10.17 -0.4 175.28 Oct-17 8.64 -3.6 148.93

Nov-13 9.29 -8.6 160.18 Nov-17 8.36 -3.2 144.11

Dec-13 8.91 -4.1 153.63 Dec-17 7.23 -13.5 124.63

*Weighted average and quoted in US$ per metric ton 

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
38

Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected 

Brazilian ports to Shanghai, China

(US$/metric ton)*

Port 1st qtr 2011 2nd qtr 2011 3rd qtr 2011 4th qtr 2011 2011 Average

Santos 50.00 50.05 52.31 49.65 50.50

Paranagua 56.25 57.62 59.61 55.80 57.32

Rio Grande 50.50 50.60 53.02 50.26 51.10

Port 1st qtr 2016 2nd qtr 2016 3rd qtr 2016 4th qtr 2016 2016 Average

Santos 17.50 16.50 12.50 20.00 16.63

Paranagua 18.00 18.50 14.50 21.50 18.13

Rio Grande 18.50 17.00 13.00 20.50 17.25

Santarém 22.00 21.00 19.40 23.75 21.54

São Luís 20.00 18.40 17.50 22.00 19.48

Barcarena 22.50 21.50 20.00 23.75 21.94

Port 1st qtr 2017 2nd qtr 2017 3rd qtr 2017 4th qtr 201 2017 Average

Santos 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00 26.88

Paranagua 20.50 30.50 31.00 31.50 28.38

Rio Grande 18.00 29.50 31.00 30.70 27.30

Santarém 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50 30.75

São Luís 23.50 30.25 31.00 33.50 29.56

Barcarena 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50 30.75

*Correspond to the average actual values negotiated between shippers and carriers and weighted according to the magnitude of 

the shipped volumes; na: not available

Source: Sistema de Informações de Fretes, SIFRECA, ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil)

Port 1st qtr 2013 2nd qtr 2013 3rd qtr 2013 4th qtr 2013 2013 Average

Santos 52.34 34.50 34.50 42.50 40.96

Paranagua 56.03 36.75 36.75 46.00 43.88

Rio Grande 51.34 35.25 35.25 44.25 41.52

Port 1st qtr 2014 2nd qtr 2014 3rd qtr 2014 4th qtr 2014 2014 Average

Santos 44.83 38.07 34.00 30.50 36.85

Paranagua 47.22 41.13 36.00 32.50 39.21

Rio Grande 44.83 38.75 32.50 30.50 36.65

Port 1st qtr 2015 2nd qtr 2015 3rd qtr 2015 4th qtr 2015 2015 Average

Santos 29.50 22.50 23.25 20.00 23.81

Paranagua 31.50 23.50 24.18 20.50 24.92

Rio Grande 29.50 25.00 25.75 21.00 25.31

Santarém 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50 26.56

São Luís 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50 26.56

Barcarena 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50 26.56

Port 1st qtr 2012 2nd qtr 2012 3rd qtr 2012 4th qtr 2012 2012 Average

Santos 46.62 51.35 50.42 50.42 49.70

Paranagua 52.32 57.63 55.42 55.42 55.20

Rio Grande 47.92 52.78 49.02 49.02 49.69
39

Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected 

Brazilian ports to Hamburg, Germany

(US$/metric ton)*

Port 1st qtr 2011 2nd qtr 2011 3rd qtr 2011 4th qtr 2011 2011 Average

Santos 34.96 35.00 36.65 32.00 34.65

Paranagua 33.86 36.00 37.29 32.63 34.95

Rio Grande 35.43 36.00 37.81 35.22 36.12

Port 1st qtr 2012 2nd qtr 2012 3rd qtr 2012 4th qtr 2012 2012 Average

Santos 32.00 35.00 32.00 28.00 31.75

Paranagua 31.58 35.00 34.30 34.30 33.80

Rio Grande 32.08 36.50 32.00 32.00 33.15

Port 1st qtr 2013 2nd qtr 2013 3rd qtr 2013 4th qtr 2013 2013 Average

Santos 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.50

Paranagua 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.50

Rio Grande 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.50

Port 1st qtr 2014 2nd qtr 2014 3rd qtr 2014 4th qtr 2014 2014 Average

Santos 31.00 30.00 26.00 24.00 27.75

Paranagua 31.00 30.00 28.00 26.00 28.75

Rio Grande 31.00 30.00 24.50 22.50 27.00

Port 1st qtr 2015 2nd qtr 2015 3rd qtr 2015 4th qtr 2015 2015 Average

Santos 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00 19.75

Paranagua 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00 19.75

Rio Grande 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00 19.75

Santarém 20.00 14.50 13.50 20.00 17.00

São Luís 20.00 18.25 16.38 20.50 18.78

Barcarena 20.00 16.00 15.20 21.00 18.05

Port 1st qtr 2016 2nd qtr 2016 3rd qtr 2016 4th qtr 2016 2016 Average

Santos 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00 18.13

Paranagua 16.00 17.00 16.50 24.00 18.38

Rio Grande 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00 18.13

Santarém 11.03 14.13 15.00 19.80 14.99

São Luís 8.25 11.00 11.80 15.80 11.71

Barcarena 9.60 12.45 13.20 17.35 13.15

Port 1st qtr 2017 2nd qtr 2017 3rd qtr 2017 4th qtr 201 2017 Average

Santos 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00 24.50

Paranagua 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00 25.50

Rio Grande 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00 25.50

Santarém 21.00 23.60 25.00 26.00 23.90

São Luís 17.60 20.00 21.20 22.00 20.20

Barcarena 18.00 20.60 21.80 22.70 20.78

*Correspond to the average actual values negotiated between shippers and carriers and weighted according to the magnitude of 

the shipped volumes; na: not available

Source: Sistema de Informações de Fretes, SIFRECA, ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
40

Soybean Product

Soybean production by State

Region/State

Production*

2016-17

(1,000 mt)

Production**

2017-18

(1,000 mt)

% Change

NORTH

Roraima (RR) 90.0 117.5 30.6

Rondônia (RO) 930.3 1,094.5 17.7

Acre (AC) - 1.2 - 

Amazonas (AM) - 3.4 - 

Amapá (AP) 54.4 58.3 7.2

Pará (PA) 1,635.3 1,530.6 -6.4

Tocantins (TO) 2,826.4 3,086.8 9.2

Total 5,536.4 5,892.3 6.4

NORTHEAST

Maranhão (MA) 2,473.3 2,973.4 20.2

Piauí (PI) 2,048.1 2,536.5 23.8

Bahia (BA) 5,123.3 6,057.1 18.2

Total 9,644.7 11,567.0 19.9

CENTER-WEST

Mato Grosso (MT) 30,513.5 32,306.1 5.9

Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) 8,575.8 9,600.5 11.9

Goiás (GO) 10,819.10 11,785.70 8.9

Distrito Federal (DF) 241.5 253.1 4.8

Total 50,149.9 53,945.4 7.6

SOUTHEAST

Minas Gerais (MG) 5,067.2 5,545.2 9.4

São Paulo (SP) 3,084.3 3,408.9 10.5

Total 8,151.5 8,954.1 9.8

SOUTH

Paraná (PR) 19,586.3 19,170.5 -2.1

Santa Catarina (SC) 2,292.6 2,305.9 0.6

Rio Grande do Sul (RS) 18,713.9 17,150.3 -8.4

Total 40,592.8 38,626.7 -4.8

 TOTAL PRODUCTION 114,075.3 118,985.5 4.3

*Data based on calendar year, January-December

**Forecast, August 2018

Source: Companhia Nacional de abastecimento (CONAB)
41

Brazil soybean supply and distribution

Year* Area harvested Beginning 

stocks Production Imports Total supply Exports Crush Domestic consumption

Ending 

stocks

1,000 hectares 1,000 metric tons

 2005/06 22,229 2,688 57,000 40 59,728 24,770 28,756 31,506 3,452

 2006/07 20,700 3,452 59,000 108 62,560 23,805 31,511 34,261 4,494

 2007/08 21,300 4,494 61,000 83 65,577 24,515 31,895 34,695 6,367

 2008/09 21,700 6,367 57,800 124 64,291 28,041 30,779 33,579 2,671

 2009/10 23,500 2,671 69,000 150 71,821 29,188 35,700 38,550 4,083

 2010/11 24,200 4,083 75,300 40 79,423 33,789 37,264 40,164 5,470

 2011/12 25,000 5,470 66,500 298 72,268 31,905 36,230 39,130 1,233

 2012/13 27,700 1,233 82,000 240 83,473 42,826 36,432 39,378 1,269

 2013/14 30,100 1,269 86,700 579 88,548 45,747 38,195 41,345 1,456

 2014/15 32,100 1,456 97,200 329 98,985 54,635 40,339 43,550 800

 2015/16 33,300 800 96,500 362 97,662 52,100 39,967 43,332 2,230

 2016/17 33,900 2,230 114,600 267 117,097 68,807 42,312 45,715 2,575

 2017/18 35,100 2,575 119,500 425 122,500 74,100 43,200 46,750 1,650

 2018/19 37,500 1,650 120,500 225 122,375 74,400 42,700 46,290 1,685

*Data based on Brazil’s local February/January Marketing Year (MY).

Where February 2012 - January 2013 is the 2011/12 MY.

**Forecast,August 10, 2018

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade Data/Reports/Oilseeds
42

Top 15 Brazilian soybean exporting states

Export

State

2015 2016 2017

Rank

metric ton

Mato Grosso 14,514,829 15,222,273 18,017,456 1 

Rio Grande Do Sul 10,653,865 9,529,430 12,349,501 2 

Paraná 7,779,670 7,970,946 10,924,399 3 

Goiás 3,225,232 3,549,416 4,805,409 4 

Mato Grosso Do Sul 3,447,470 2,892,712 3,642,153 5 

São Paulo 2,655,176 3,152,092 3,408,327 6 

Bahia 2,609,868 1,402,068 3,096,844 7 

Minas Gerais 1,957,116 2,281,776 2,626,070 8 

Tocantins 1,570,491 1,081,074 2,014,962 9 

Maranhão 1,781,110 941,587 1,887,820 10 

Santa Catarina 1,509,219 1,564,279 1,844,618 11 

Pará 830,509 825,297 1,172,575 13 

Rondônia 762,629 766,114 878,079 12 

Piauί 736,989 260,652 821,018 14 

Distrito Federal 227,077 44,640 263,976 15 

Others 61,352 93,108 394,497

Total 54,322,601 51,577,465 68,147,705

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
43

Top 5 Brazilian soybean exporting states

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

20,000

2015 2016 2017

Thousand metric ton

Mato Grosso

Rio Grande Do Sul

Paraná

Goiás

Mato Grosso Do Sul

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

Brazil average monthly soybean exports

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2014-2016 0.3 3.9 13.4 16.6 17.7 16.1 13.3 8.6 5.2 2.8 1.2 1.0

2017 1.3 5.1 13.2 15.3 16.1 13.5 10.2 8.7 6.3 3.6 3.1 3.5

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

Percentage

2014-2016

2017
44

Main export routes for soybeans

Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics– Produção Agricola Municipal, Lloyd’s Ports, and World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Source: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service & Foreign Agricultural Service
45

World export routes for Brazilian soybeans

Source: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service & Foreign Agricultural Service

Top 5 Brazilian soybean export destinations

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

China Spain Thailand Netherlands Iran

Thousand metric ton

2015 2016 2017

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
46

In 2017, Brazil was the leading soybean exporter, followed by the United States, Argentina, Paraguay, and 

Canada. USDA forecasts that Brazil will sustain its leadership position in 2018.

Top 5 world soybean exporting countries

*Forecast August 10, 2018

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade/Reports/PSD Reports/Oilseeds

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000

 Brazil

 United States

 Argentina

 Paraguay

 Canada

(1,000 metric tons)

2018/19* 2017/18 2016/17
47

Exports to Chin

China is Brazil’s largest soybean buyer, accounting for 79 percent of total soybean exports in 2017. Brazil 

soybean exports to China usually peak in May and finish by the end of October. Nearly 85 percent of Brazil 

soybean exports to China originated from Mato Grosso, Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, 

São Paulo, Bahia, and Minas Gerais in 2017.

Brazil average monthly soybean exports to China

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2014-2016 0.2 3.7 12.1 14.0 14.6 12.9 10.4 7.0 4.0 1.8 0.8 0.6

2017 1.1 3.8 11.0 12.3 12.2 9.7 7.8 7.1 5.1 3.2 2.7 3.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

Percentage

2014-2016

2017

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
48

China’s share of Brazilian soybean exports increased 40 percent to 53.8 mmt (valued at US$20.3 billion), from 

38.6 mmt in 2016. Mato Grosso is the top soybean-exporting state to China, followed by Rio Grande do Sul, 

Paraná, Goiás, and São Paulo.

Top 15 Brazilian soybean exporting states to China

State

2015 2016 2017

% share

metric ton

Mato Grosso 9,226,007 9,669,725 11,777,815 21.9

Rio Grande Do Sul 9,418,569 8,280,180 11,683,395 21.7

Paraná 7,012,820 7,111,926 9,677,753 18.0

Goiás 2,669,456 2,781,661 4,144,828 7.7

Mato Grosso Do Sul 2,988,704 2,419,221 2,971,048 5.5

São Paulo 2,135,690 2,572,214 2,926,939 5.4

Bahia 1,747,933 772,705 2,472,074 4.6

Minas Gerais 1,499,642 1,824,378 2,337,977 4.3

Santa Catarina 1,292,269 1,164,155 1,472,302 2.7

Tocantins 890,953 617,190 1,450,727 2.7

Maranhão 1,045,910 513,741 1,307,617 2.4

Piauί 518,260 188,824 580,826 1.1

Pará 241,590 318,454 567,784 1.1

Distrito Federal 168,524 39,953 209,552 0.4

Rondonia 65,232 257,295 140,063 0.3

Others 3,948 32,287 76,284 0.1

Brazil exports to China 40,925,507 38,563,909 53,796,980

Brazil total exports 54,322,601 51,577,465 68,147,705 78.9

Source: Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
49

Top 15 Mato Groso (MT) soybean exports destinations

State

2015 2016 2017

% share Rank

metric ton

China 9,226,007 9,669,725 11,777,815 65.4 1

Spain 986,513 1,011,000 1,177,825 6.5 2

Netherlands 445,503 573,992 838,675 4.7 3

Thailand 635,042 547,487 803,644 4.5 4

Russia 369,443 508,405 610,694 3.4 5

Iran 179,450 333,488 490,405 2.7 6

United Kingdom 187,362 263,668 329,957 1.8 7

Norway 322,499 253,851 240,625 1.3 8

Taiwan 314,198 238,936 237,731 1.3 9

Turkey 88,559 156,856 189,895 1.1 10

France 112,007 182,252 139,220 0.8 11

Pakistan 12,893 12,704 136,075 0.8 12

Mexico 0 61,558 132,914 0.7 13

Italy 62,625 284,208 130,625 0.7 14

Saudi Arabia 240,347 246,429 113,046 0.6 15

Others 1,332,380 877,714 668,311 3.7

Mato Grosso total 14,514,829 15,222,273 18,017,456 100.0

2015 2016 2017

MT % share of Brazil exports to China 22.5 25.1 21.9

Brazil exports to China 40,925,507 38,563,909 53,796,980

Brazil total exports 54,322,601 51,577,465 68,147,705

China % share of Brazil total exports 75.3 75.2 78.9

Source: Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
50

Soybean trade to China is dominated by the southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São 

Francisco do Sul, accounting for 75 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports to China. In the past, China preferred to 

buy soybeans from the southern ports of Santos, Paranaguá, Rio Grande, Sâo Francisco do Sul, and Vitória via 

Cape of Good Hope in South Africa to Shanghai, because it was cheaper than the remote ports of the Amazon 

River and the Northeast. For example, by buying soybeans from Santos, China saves 7-8 days in shipping 

costs compared to Manaus; and 2-3 days compared to Itaquí/São Luis. However, infrastructure improvements 

increased competitiveness of the Amazon River and Northeast ports, especially the port of São Luís. The 

northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for nearly 24 percent of exports to 

China. The Amazon River ports of Manaus and Santarém exported 1 percent to China.

Total Brazilian soybean exports by port to China, 2014-17

Ports

2015 2016 2017

metric ton

Santos 10,819,783 11,825,003 14,183,986

Rio Grande 10,080,780 8,414,709 11,901,538

Paranaguá 7,518,588 7,213,409 10,026,648

São Luís 2,938,010 2,246,318 4,246,740

São Francisco do Sul 4,080,459 3,539,198 3,984,947

Subtotal 35,437,619 33,238,637 44,343,859

Others 5,487,888 5,325,272 9,453,121

Total exports to China 40,925,507 38,563,909 53,796,980

Brazil total exports 54,322,601 51,577,465 68,147,705

Ports

2014 2016 2017

% share of exports to China

Santos 26.4 30.7 26.4 

Rio Grande 24.6 21.8 22.1 

Paranaguá 18.4 18.7 18.6 

São Luís 7.2 5.8 7.9 

São Francisco do Sul 10.0 9.2 7.4 

Subtotal 86.6 86.2 82.4 

Others 13.4 13.8 17.6 

Total exports to China 100 100 100 

Ports

2014 2016 2017

% share of Brazil total exports

Santos 19.9 22.9 20.8 

Rio Grande 18.6 16.3 17.5 

Paranaguá 13.8 14.0 14.7 

São Luís 5.4 4.4 6.2 

São Francisco do Sul 7.5 6.9 5.8 

Subtotal 65.2 64.4 65.1 

Others 10.1 10.3 13.9 

Total exports to China 75.3 74.8 78.9 

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
51

Brazil soybean exports to China by port

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Santos

Rio Grande

Paranaguá

São Luís

São Francisco do Sul

Vitória

Salvador

Barcarena

Santarém

Imbituba

Percentage

2017

2016
52

Distance from selected Brazilian ports to Shanghai, China and 

Hamburg, Germany

Brazilian port Region Route through Destination Nautical miles Days at sea*

Santos, SP South Good Hope Shanghai, China 11,056 32.22

Santos, SP South Good Hope Hamburg, Germany 5,683 16.22

Rio Grande, RS South Good Hope Shanghai, China 11,129 33.03

Rio Grande, RS South Panama Canal Shanghai, China 13,564 40.09

Rio Grande, RS South Cape Horn Shanghai, China 11,397 33.22

Rio Grande, RS South Cape Horn Hamburg, Germany 6,204 18.11

Paranaguá, PR South Good Hope Shanghai, China 11,111 33.02

Paranaguá, PR South Panama Canal Shanghai, China 13,165 39.04

Paranaguá, PR South Panama Canal Hamburg, Germany 5,805 17.07

São Francisco do Sul, SC South Good Hope Shanghai, China 11,111 33.4

São Francisco do Sul, SC South Good Hope Hamburg, Germany 5,805 17.1

Vitória, ES Southeast Good Hope Shanghai, China 10,857 32.08

Vitória, ES Southeast Panama Canal Shanghai, China 12,587 37.11

Vitória, ES Southeast Panama Canal Hamburg, Germany 5,227 15.13

Salvador, BA Northeast Good Hope Shanghai, China 10,997 32.18

Salvador, BA Northeast Panama Canal Shanghai, China 12,170 36.05

Salvador, BA Northeast Panama Canal Hamburg, Germany 4,811 14.08

Aratu, BA Northeast Good Hope Shanghai, China 10,997 32.18

Aratu, BA Northeast Panama Canal Shanghai, China 12,170 36.05

Aratu, BA Northeast Panama Canal Hamburg, Germany 4,811 14.08

Itaquí/Sâo Luís - Ponta de Madeira (MA) Northeast Good Hope Shanghai, China 11,708 34.2

Itaquí/Sâo Luís - Ponta de Madeira (MA) Northeast Panama Canal Shanghai, China 11,087 33

Itaquí/Sâo Luís - Ponta de Madeira (MA) Northeast Panama Canal Hamburg, Germany 4,361 13

Santarém, (PA)**

Reference point for Itaituba/Miritituba North Good Hope Shanghai, China 12,305 37.8

Santarém, (PA)**

Reference point for Itaituba/Miritituba North Panama Canal Shanghai, China 11,200 33.1

Santarém, (PA)**

Reference point for Itaituba/Miritituba North Panama Canal Hamburg, Germany 4,750 14.18

Manaus, (AM) North Good Hope Shanghai, China 12,880 38.04

Manaus, (AM) North Panama Canal Shanghai, China 10,926 32.12

Manaus, (AM) North Panama Canal Hamburg, Germany 5,283 15.17

 Barcarena, (PA)** North Good Hope Shanghai, China 11,905 35.6

 Barcarena, (PA)** North Panama Canal Shanghai, Chin 10,950 32.6

 Barcarena, (PA)** North Panama Canal Hamburg, Germany 4,510 13.6

*Vessel speed: 14 knots

**Barcarena is located 49 nm from Belém; Itaituba is located 140 nm from Santarém.

Source: http://sea-distances.com/ and 1Ports.com
53

In 2017, China was the major destination of Brazilian soybeans through the port of Santos, Brazil’s largest 

soybean exporting port, followed by Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, and Iran. The peak of soybean shipments 

to China, from Santos, usually occurs March thru May. The majority of soybean exports, through Santos, were 

originated from Mato Grosso (51%), São Paulo (18%), Goiás (14%), Minas Gerais (9%), Mato Grosso do Sul 

(5%), and Paraná (2%).

Port of Santos soybean exports by country

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

China

Thailand

Taiwan

South Korea

Iran

2017

2016

Port of Santos soybean average monthly exports to China

Source: Secretaria de Comércio Exterior (SECEX)

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2014-2016 1.6 12.2 21.7 15.1 19.4 15.3 9.4 3.4 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.1

2017 1.5 9.2 18.8 23.2 18.8 14.7 8.9 3.1 1.4 0.1 0.0 0.5 Percentage
54

China was the major destination of Brazilian soybeans via the port of Rio Grande followed by Iran, Vietnam, 

Taiwan, and Italy. The peak of soybean shipments to China through the port of Rio Grande is from April―

August. The majority of soybean exports through the Port of Rio Grande originated from Rio Grande do Sul 

(97%) followed by Paraná (1%), Mato Grosso do Sul (0.7%), São Paulo (0.7%), and Mato Grosso (0.5%).

Port of Rio Grande soybean average monthly exports to China

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2014-2016 0.0 0.7 2.0 13.4 19.0 16.8 13.3 15.6 12.3 4.9 1.7 0.3

2017 3.0 0.7 5.8 11.5 14.6 9.6 11.4 13.1 10.6 6.0 6.2 7.6 Percentage

China was the top Brazilian soybean export destination through the Port of Paranaguá, followed by Pakistan, 

Vietnam, South Korea, and Iran. The peak of soybean shipments to China from Paranaguá is during March―

June. More than two-thirds of Paranaguá exports were originated from Paraná (72%), followed by Mato 

Grosso do Sul (12%), Mato Grosso (6%), Santa Catarina (5%), Goiás (2%), and São Paulo (2%).

Port of Paranaguá soybean average monthly exports to China

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2017 1.7 7.0 16.7 10.5 10.5 9.7 9.4 9.5 7.5 5.8 6.4 5.3

2014-2016 0.0 5.8 11.3 15.4 14.4 13.5 11.5 9.5 7.0 4.0 2.3 5.3 Percentage
55

China was top Brazilian soybean export destination through the Port of São Luís, followed by Iran, Vietnam, 

Taiwan, and Italy. São Luís is the top northeastern soybean exporting port, accounting for 9 percent of Brazilian 

total soybean exports and nearly 8 percent of exports to China, followed by Vitória, Salvador, Barcarena, 

Santarém, and Manaus. These 5 ports accounted for 25 percent of exports to China. About 60 percent of 

exports of the port of São Luís originated from Maranhão (30%) and Tocantins (29%), followed by Mato Grosso 

(22%), Piauí (12%), and Pará (5%).

Port of São Luís average monthly soybean exports to China

Source: Secretaria de Comércio Exterior (SECEX)

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2014-2016 0.0 5.6 17.3 14.2 12.5 10.3 16.3 11.8 8.6 2.7 0.7 0.0

2017 0.0 0.0 13.1 16.7 15.9 18.1 9.6 11.3 8.9 3.2 1.7 1.6 Percentage
56

Transportation Mod

Brazilian ports

 Sources: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) and Ministério dos Transportes, Brazil

Ports

Sea port

River port

Survey port*

*Brazilian port where cargo data are 

collected. These ports are responsible 

for more than 98% of the Brazilian cargo 

movement.
57

Major rivers of the Amazonian Basin

 Source: National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ)

Brazil has 39,060 miles of river-lake surface water and 27,280 miles of navigable rivers, but only 8,060 miles are 

commercially navigated.

Brazil waterway system

Extension Miles

River-lake surface water 39,060

National river network 27,280

Naturally navigable waterways 17,980 (100%)

Commercial navigations 8,060 (45%)

Vessel owned 1,148

Sources: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) and National Agency for Waterway Transporation (ANTAQ)
58

Brazilian river system

Legend

Navigable stretches

Stretches with little navigation

Obstacles to navigation

Source: National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ)
59

Brazilian river system

The Port of Manaus access channel is 1,640 ft wide and 114.8 ft deep. Porto Velho’s access channel depth 

varies from 8.2 to 57.4 ft. The Port of Santarém’s access channel is 5,904 ft wide and 49.2 ft deep.

Sources: Ministério dos Transportes, Brazil and Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)

Santarem

Manaus

Porto Velho

Caceres

Ladário

River Port

Corumba

Pirapora
60

Brazilian river basins

Brazil’s river system comprises eight basins: Amazônica, Northeast, Tocantins Araguaia, São Francisco, East, 

Tietê-Paraná, Paraguay, and South. The Amazônica and Paraguay Basin account for 72 percent of the total 

area of the Brazilian basins. The Paraguay Basin serves Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its 

navigable portion is comparable with the Mississippi River in the United States and the Rhine River in Europe.

Source: Ministério dos Transportes, Brazil

Amazônica Basin

Northeast Basin

Tocantins Araguaia 

Basin

São Francisco 

Basin

East Basin

South Basin

Paraguay Basin

Tietê-Paraná Basin
61

Brazilian multimodal transportation system

 Source: Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquavárious
62

Major Brazilian highways

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte
63

The Brazilian highway system extends 978,423 miles (1,578,102 kilometers), with nearly 86 percent paved. The 

United States public roads system consists of 4,112,543 miles (6,618,481 kilometers) with 67 percent paved.

Brazil highway system extension, in miles, 2017

Paved roads Unpaved roads Total

Federal 40,629 6,652 47,281 

State and County 91,798 839,345 931,143 

Subtotal 132,426 845,997 978,423 

% 85.9 14.1 

Plan 97,532 

Total 1,075,955 

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT)

Note: Table updated 9-13-18.

U.S highway system extension and condition, 2016

Extension1 (in miles) % Paved2 % Unpaved2

Rural 2,913,729 56 44 

Urban 1,198,815 94 6 

Total 4,112,543 67 33 

1

Table HM-20 Public road length in 2016. Includes the States and the District of Columbia. September 2017.

2

Includes the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Some differences from other tables may be noted because these are 

estimated from sample and summary data; some States may have missing/incomplete data. Table HM-12 Public road length - 

2016 miles by type of surface and ownership/functional system. National summary. September 2017.

Source: Highway Statistics 2016. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Statistics 

(Washington, DC: Annual Issues), https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2016/. 
64

Brazilian highways condition classification

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte
65

State of Pará highways condition classification

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte
66

Northern region highways condition classification

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte
67

Midwestern region highways condition classification

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte
68

Northeastern region highways condition classification

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte
69

Southern region highways condition classification

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte
70

Southeastern region highways condition classification

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte
71

Brazilian highways

The 2017 Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) survey of the overall highway condition in Brazil shows 

that 38.2 percent of the roads ranged from good to excellent in 2017 compared to 41.8 percent in 2016. Still, 

61.8 percent ranged from acceptable to very bad. The survey also shows that half of the paved roads were in 

good to excellent condition; 59.2 percent of traffic road signs had problems; and 86 percent of the paved roads 

evaluated were two lanes. The survey sample of paved roads increased 2.5 percent from 64,021 miles in 2016 

to 65,605 miles in 2017.

Brazilian highway conditions, 2015-2017

12.5 11.6 8.9

30.2 30.2 29.3

34.9 34.6

33.6

16.1 17.3 20.1

6.3 6.3 8.1

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2015 2016 2017

Very Bad

Bad

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

38.2% 42.7% 41.8%

57.3% 58.2% 61.8%

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte

Brazilian paved highway conditions, 2015-2017

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte

41.6 44.5 40.3

9.8 7.2 9.7

35.4 35.8 34.0

10.1 9.9 13.2

3.1 2.6 2.8

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2015 2016 2017

Very Bad

Bad

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

50%

50%

48.3%

51.7%

48.5%

51.5%
72

Brazilian road sign conditions, 2015-2017

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte

The CNT estimates that, due to the poor conditions of the paved roads, the 2017 marginal operational cost of 

cargo trucks is 27.7 percent higher than a paved road under optimal conditions. Overall, the 2017 additional 

operational cargo cost (27.7 percent) was higher than 2016 (24.9 percent) and 2015 (25.8 percent). This cost 

decreased only in the North, by 2 percent. For example, according to CNT, if the cost of shipping a metric ton 

of soybeans from Sorriso, North MT, to Santos is $100 per metric ton (mt), the 2017 optimal cost should be 

$72.3/mt.

Cost increases due to poor road pavement conditions, 2015-2017

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte

16.4 14.0 9.8

32.2 34.3

31.0

28.7 29.1

32.0

13.0 12.7

14.1

9.7 9.9 13.2

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2015 2016 2017

Very Bad

Bad

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

48.3%

59.2%

40.8%

51.4%

48.6%

51.7%

28.8

21.2

27.1

23.1

36.6

25.7

21.2

25.3 23.9

34.3

26.6 24.7

29.3

25.1

33.6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

South Southeast Center West Northeast North

Additional cost (%)

Brazil regions

2015 2016 2017

Average 2015: 25.8%

Average 2016: 24.9%

Average 2017: 27.7% 
73

Brazilian railway expansion: ongoing projects

The Brazilian railroad system consists of 12 railroads with an extension of 18,957 miles, mostly concentrated in 

the South, Southeast, and Northeast.

Source: Agência Nacional de Transportes Terrestres (ANTT)
74

Brazilian rail system: gauge sizes

The gauge system (distance between two rails) varies by region, creating difficulties in integrating the system 

in areas like the North American region, which uses a standard gauge. There are three types of gauges: metric 

(39”), broad (63”) and mixed (39”-63”). The metric gauge accounts for 74 percent of the total Brazilian rail 

miles, and predominates in the Southern region. The broad gauge accounts for 25 percent of total railroads 

and prevails in the Southeast region, leaving about 2 percent as mixed gauge.

Source: National Association of Rail Transporters (ANTF)
75

Reference Mater

United States: soybean supply and distribution

(1,000 metric tons)

Year* Area 

Harvested

Beginning 

Stocks Production Imports Total Supply Exports Crush Domestic Consumption

Ending 

Stocks

 2005/06 28,834 6,960 83,507 92 90,559 25,579 47,324 52,751 12,229

 2006/07 30,190 12,229 87,001 246 99,476 30,386 49,198 53,473 15,617

 2007/08 25,959 15,617 72,859 269 88,745 31,538 49,081 51,627 5,580

 2008/09 30,222 5,580 80,749 361 86,690 34,817 45,230 48,112 3,761

 2009/10 30,907 3,761 91,470 397 95,628 40,798 47,673 50,724 4,106

 2010/11 31,003 4,106 90,663 393 95,162 40,959 44,851 48,351 5,852

 2011/12 29,856 5,852 84,291 439 90,582 37,186 46,348 48,786 4,610

 2012/13 30,814 4,610 82,791 1,103 88,504 36,129 45,967 48,550 3,825

 2013/14 30,858 3,825 91,389 1,953 97,167 44,594 47,192 50,069 2,504

 2014/15 33,423 2,504 106,878 904 110,286 50,136 50,975 54,962 5,188

 2015/16 33,076 5,188 106,857 641 112,686 52,870 51,335 54,462 5,354

 2016/17 33,466 5,354 116,920 606 122,880 58,960 51,742 55,712 8,208

 2017/18 36,228 8,208 119,518 599 128,325 57,425 55,520 59,209 11,691

2018/19** 35,961 11,691 124,808 680 137,179 56,064 56,064 59,763 21,352

*Data based on Local Marketing Year (MY). Soybeans are on a September/August MY

**Forecast, August 10, 2018

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade Data/Reports/Oilseeds

Soybean production

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19**

 United States 106,878 106,857 116,920 119,518 124,808

 Brazil 97,200 96,500 114,600 119,500 120,500

 Argentina 61,450 58,800 55,000 37,000 57,000

 China 12,154 11,785 12,900 14,200 14,500

 India 8,711 6,929 10,992 8,350 10,800

 Paraguay 8,154 9,217 10,200 10,000 9,800

 Canada 6,045 6,456 6,597 8,000 7,300

 Other 19,365 19,033 20,906 20,135 22,396

Total 319,957 315,577 348,115 336,703 367,104

*Most countries are on an October/September Marketing Year (MY). The United States, Mexico, and Thailand are on a 

September/August MY. Canada is on an August/July MY. Paraguay is on a March/February MY and Turkey is on an March/

February MY.

**Forecast, August 10, 2018

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade/Reports/Oilseeds
76

Soybean imports

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19**

 China 78,350 83,230 93,495 96,000 95,000

 European Union 13,914 15,120 13,422 14,100 15,800

 Mexico 3,819 4,126 4,126 4,600 4,750

 Japan 3,004 3,186 3,175 3,250 3,300

 Thailand 2,411 2,798 3,077 3,150 3,250

 Egypt 1,947 1,300 2,115 3,050 3,150

 Indonesia 2,006 2,274 2,649 2,700 2,900

 Turkey 2,197 2,283 2,271 2,600 2,600

 Taiwan 2,520 2,476 2,566 2,550 2,580

 Iran 1,311 1,864 1,904 2,300 2,450

 Other 12,883 14,681 15,523 19,177 19,049

 Total 124,362 133,338 144,323 153,477 154,829

*Most countries are on an October/September Marketing Year (MY). The United States, Mexico, and Thailand are on a 

September/August MY. Canada is on an August/July MY. Paraguay is on a March/February MY and Turkey is on an March/

February MY.

**Forecast, August 10, 2018

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade/Reports/Oilseeds

Soybean exports

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19**

 Brazil 50,612 54,383 63,137 75,500 75,000

 United States 50,136 52,870 58,960 57,425 56,064

 Argentina 10,575 9,922 7,026 3,100 8,000

 Paraguay 4,576 5,400 6,129 6,250 5,900

 Canada 3,763 4,236 4,591 5,500 5,500

 Other 6,548 5,705 7,502 5,928 7,499

 Total 126,210 132,516 147,345 153,703 157,963

*Most countries are on an October/September Marketing Year (MY). The United States, Mexico, and Thailand are on a 

September/August MY. Canada is on an August/July MY. Paraguay is on a March/February MY and Turkey is on an March/

February MY.

**Forecast, August 10, 2018

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade/Reports/Oilseeds
77

Soybean crush

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19**

 China 74,500 81,500 88,000 91,000 95,000

 United States 50,975 51,335 51,742 55,520 56,064

 Argentina 40,235 43,267 43,303 37,770 43,000

 Brazil 40,435 39,747 40,411 43,000 42,700

 European Union 14,450 14,950 14,400 14,900 16,300

 India 7,700 5,500 9,000 7,600 9,000

 Mexico 4,175 4,400 4,600 5,000 5,200

 Russia 3,600 4,000 4,400 4,650 5,100

 Paraguay 3,700 3,800 3,750 3,700 3,950

 Egypt 1,950 1,150 2,200 3,050 3,100

 Iran 1,450 1,950 2,050 2,450 2,600

 Bolivia 2,450 2,550 2,050 2,550 2,350

 Japan 2,150 2,283 2,392 2,350 2,350

 Pakistan 500 1,250 1,680 2,050 2,300

 Taiwan 1,980 1,980 2,045 2,080 2,100

 Other 14,560 15,362 15,323 16,691 17,554

Total 264,810 275,024 287,346 294,361 308,668

*Most countries are on an October/September Marketing Year (MY). The United States, Mexico, and Thailand are on a 

September/August MY. Canada is on an August/July MY. Paraguay is on a March/February MY and Turkey is on an March/

February MY.

**Forecast, August 10, 2018

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade/Reports/Oilseeds

Soybean ending stocks

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19**

 Argentina 31,750 33,650 35,470 30,800 34,100

 Brazil 19,078 18,558 26,462 24,150 23,800

 United States 5,188 5,354 8,208 11,691 21,352

 China 17,009 16,910 20,391 23,481 20,781

 European Union 843 1559 1131 1073 1398

 Other 4,096 4,414 5,003 4,415 4,508

 Total 77,964 80,445 96,665 95,610 105,939

*Most countries are on an October/September Marketing Year (MY). The United States, Mexico, and Thailand are on a 

September/August MY. Canada is on an August/July MY. Paraguay is on a March/February MY and Turkey is on an March/

February MY.

**Forecast, August 10, 2018

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade/Reports/Oilseeds
78

Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Hamburg, Germany, via U.S. Gulf

Minneapolis, Minnesota (US$/mt)

2017

1st qtr

2017

2nd qtr

2017

3rd qtr

2017

4th qtr

2017

Average

Truck 11.14 12.30 13.02 14.39 12.71

Rail** 45.91 - - - 45.91

Barge1 9.54 21.97 27.02 31.93 22.62

Ocean2 14.77 14.49 15.03 17.54 15.46

Total transportation 81.36 48.76 55.07 63.86 62.26

Farm price3 348.82 338.16 333.76 332.04 338.20

Landed cost 430.18 386.92 388.83 395.90 400.46

Transport % of landed cost 18.9 12.6 14.2 16.1 15.5

Davenport, Iowa (US$/mt)

2017

1st qtr

2017

2nd qtr

2017

3rd qtr

2017

4th qtr

2017

Average

Truck 11.14 12.30 13.02 14.39 12.71

Rail** 34.98 - - - 34.98

Barge1 9.54 15.83 20.11 24.92 17.60

Ocean2 14.77 14.49 15.03 17.59 15.47

Total transportation 70.43 42.62 48.16 56.90 54.53

Farm price3 353.60 335.71 351.27 337.55 344.53

Landed cost 424.03 378.33 399.43 394.45 399.06

Transport % of landed cost 16.6 11.3 12.1 14.4 13.6

**Rail service is required due to seasonal closure of the Minneapolis segment of the Mississippi River.

1

The Mississippi River closes from Minneapolis to just north of St. Louis during mid-December to late March.

2

Source: O’Neil Commodity Consulting; Excludes handling charges.

3

Source: USDA/NASS

Note: Numbers in last row of this table were rounded to one decimal on 9-13-18.
79

Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Shanghai, China, via U.S. Gulf

Minneapolis, Minnesota (US$/mt)

2017

1st qtr

2017

2nd qtr

2017

3rd qtr

2017

4th qtr

2017

Average

Truck 11.14 12.30 13.02 14.39 12.71

Rail** 45.91 - - - 45.91

Barge1 9.54 21.97 27.02 31.93 22.62

Ocean2 35.17 37.15 38.37 42.78 38.37

Total transportation 101.76 71.42 78.41 89.10 85.17

Farm price3 348.82 338.16 333.76 332.04 338.20

Landed cost 450.58 409.58 412.17 421.14 423.37

Transport % of landed cost 22.6 17.4 19.0 21.2 20.1

Davenport, Iowa (US$/mt)

2017

1st qtr

2017

2nd qtr

2017

3rd qtr

2017

4th qtr

2017

Average

Truck 11.14 12.30 13.02 14.39 12.71

Rail** 34.98 - - - 34.98

Barge1 9.54 15.83 20.11 24.92 17.60

Ocean2 35.17 37.15 38.37 42.78 38.37

Total transportation 90.83 65.28 71.50 82.09 77.43

Farm price3 353.60 335.71 351.27 337.55 344.53

Landed cost 444.43 400.99 422.77 419.64 421.96

Transport % of landed cost 20.4 16.3 16.9 19.6 18.3

**Rail service is required due to seasonal closure of the Minneapolis segment of the Mississippi River.

1

The Mississippi River closes from Minneapolis to just north of St. Louis during mid-December to late March.

2

Source: O’Neil Commodity Consulting; Excludes handling charges

3

Source: USDA/NASS
80

Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Shanghai, China, via PNW

Fargo, North Dakota (US$/mt)

2017

1st qtr

2017

2nd qtr

2017

3rd qtr

2017

4th qtr

2017

Average

Truck 11.14 12.30 13.02 14.39 12.71

Rail** 54.77 54.62 54.62 54.62 54.66

Ocean1 18.27 19.01 20.16 24.05 20.37

Total transportation 84.18 85.93 87.80 93.06 87.74

Farm price2 338.16 316.61 319.06 324.45 324.57

Landed cost 422.34 402.54 406.86 417.51 412.31

Transport % of landed cost 19.9 21.3 21.6 22.3 21.3

Sioux Falls, South Dakota (US$/mt)

2017

1st qtr

2017

2nd qtr

2017

3rd qtr

2017

4th qtr

2017

Average

Truck 11.14 12.30 13.02 14.39 12.71

Rail** 55.78 55.61 55.61 55.61 55.65

Ocean1 18.27 19.01 20.16 24.05 20.37

Total transportation 85.19 86.92 88.79 94.05 88.74

Farm price2 340.86 324.20 325.55 325.30 328.98

Landed cost 426.05 411.12 414.34 419.35 417.72

Transport % of landed cost 20.0 21.1 21.4 22.4 21.2

**Rail service is required due to seasonal closure of the Minneapolis segment of the Mississippi River.

1

Source: O’Neil Commodity Consulting; Excludes handling charges.

2

Source: USDA/NASS

Note: Tables updated on 9-13-18 due to incorrect addition of barge data. That data was removed and remaining table data was 

updated.
81

Average quarterly exchange rate

Quarter Real per US$

1st 1.6673

2nd 1.5962

3rd 1.6357

4th 1.8012

2011 Avg 1.6751

1st 1.7701

2nd 1.9641

3rd 2.0288

4th 2.0576

2012 Avg 1.9551

1st 1.9977

2nd 2.0673

3rd 2.2880

4th 2.2735

2013 Avg 2.1566

1st 2.2735

2nd 2.2296

3rd 2.2745

4th 2.5437

2014 Avg 2.3303

1st 2.8637

2nd 3.0722

3rd 3.5480

4th 3.8426

2015 Avg 3.3316

1st 3.8999

2nd 3.5076

3rd 3.2912

4th 3.2953

2016 Avg 3.4985

1st 3.1429

2nd 3.2137

3rd 3.1639

4th 3.2506

2017 Avg 3.1928

Source:Banco Central do Brasil
82

Selected quarterly Brazilian farm prices

(US$/metric ton)*

Quarter Rio Grande 

do Sul

Mato 

Grosso Goiás Paraná Piauí Pará Maranhão

1st 336.85 312.34 329.95 340.69 330.99 357.47 326.75

2nd 360.56 295.94 310.64 333.27 300.93 312.03 310.26

3rd 314.06 285.95 287.19 313.28 314.26 288.72 293.97

4th 314.70 286.43 289.68 305.35 313.41 284.75 326.72

2015 Avg 331.55 295.17 304.36 323.15 314.90 310.74 314.43 

1st 308.73 268.28 278.59 298.84 281.05 264.90 310.69 

2nd 358.57 347.59 337.86 353.78 342.05 329.13 378.45 

3rd 373.12 367.25 359.07 362.80 378.98 384.42 447.42 

4th 352.69 344.51 341.08 347.53 377.05 355.82 370.99 

2016 Avg 348.28 331.91 329.15 340.74 344.78 333.57 376.89 

1st 347.99 314.10 332.40 344.08 210.49 362.30 356.01

2nd 302.06 275.60 281.73 304.50 304.16 313.78 327.17

3rd 317.17 288.62 291.58 313.53 306.34 324.84 340.58

4th 321.99 296.10 302.26 324.03 311.19 339.05 349.81

2017 Avg 322.30 293.60 301.99 321.54 283.05 334.99 343.39

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br

Quarter Rio Grande 

do Sul

Mato 

Grosso Goiás Paraná

1st 431.68 406.96 441.07 459.96

2nd 425.42 386.58 413.15 435.53

3rd 428.53 416.62 417.65 440.47

4th 377.84 358.24 379.70 390.69

2011 Avg 415.87 392.10 412.89 431.66

1st 405.07 377.70 401.58 428.80

2nd 448.47 448.29 428.40 475.69

3rd 557.90 570.66 566.91 593.20

4th 521.43 536.60 522.33 557.54

2012 Avg 483.22 483.31 479.80 513.81

1st 460.13 419.35 445.56 476.22

2nd 459.96 391.58 419.62 461.97

3rd 448.29 404.93 405.90 453.28

4th 458.54 426.00 442.20 481.71

2013 Avg 456.73 410.46 428.32 468.29

1st 482.75 375.58 420.52 463.81 

2nd 464.19 417.02 441.74 471.00 

3rd 455.08 398.98 394.07 416.92 

4th 368.05 361.74 349.62 383.90

2014 Avg 442.52 388.33 401.49 433.91 
83

Major river export routes

Source: National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ)
84

Photo Credit

Photo credits, reading clockwise from the top 

left of the cover:

 

1) Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de 

Queiroz”/ Grupo de Pesquisa e Extensão em 

Logística Agroindustrial (ESALQ-log)

2) USDA

3) USDA

4) The Assesoria de Comunicação dos Portos 

de Paranaguá e Antonina (ASSCOM-APPA)

5) ESALQ-log

6) ESALQ-log

7) USDA