Weakened Currency Spurs Record Exports, Variable Transportation Costs, and Higher Domestic Prices

From first quarter 2019 to first quarter 2020 (year to year), the Brazilian real depreciated nearly 19 percent 

against the U.S. dollar, from R$3.77 per U.S. dollar to R$4.47 per U.S. dollar (Brazil Central Bank). As of April 30, 

2020, year-to-date exports reached a record of 33.7 million metric tons (mmt) valued at $11.5 billion, about 

34 percent more than at this time last year (Comex Stat, Ministério da Indústria, Comércio Exterior e Serviços 

(MDIC)). Year to year, the cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of soybeans 100 miles by truck decreased 18 

percent from $7.75 per mt to $6.63 per mt (table 8). This reduction reflects the weakening of the Brazilian real 

(R$) against the U.S. dollar. 

Figure 1. Southern ports exported 63 percent of Brazilian soybeans, January-April 20201,2

1 World Wildlife Fund.

2 Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics—Produção Agricola Municipal.

Source: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service and USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service.

Brazil Soybean Transportation

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis

 First Quarter 2020 (July, August, September)

Published May 27, 2020
2

Brazil Soybean Transportation

However, truck rates measured in reais (R$) varied by region from their estimates in U.S. dollars largely 

because of improvements in transportation infrastructure. In particular, the completion of BR 163 (the major 

route connecting Sorriso, North Mato Grosso, to Itaituba, Pará) significantly contributed to the variance in 

regional rates. Finishing the project expedited deliveries of soybean exports via the river ports of Barcarena 

(2.8 mmt), Santarém (2.1 mmt), and Manaus (1.5 mmt). Over the last 5 years, Barcarena soybean exports 

nearly quadrupled, from 1.1 mmt in 2014 to 5.8 mmt in 2019. As of April 30, 2020, Barcarena was the thirdlargest Brazilian soybean exporting port after Santos (11.8 mmt) and Paranaguá. (5.7 mmt). All these factors 

combined to contribute to regional rate variances year to year. For example, truck rates from Cruz Alta, 

Rio Grande do Sul to Rio Grande, increased 4 percent. In contrast, truck rates from North Mato Grosso to 

Rondonópolis (rail terminal) decreased 2 percent and 12-18 percent to the northern inland ports of Santarém 

and Itaituba/Miritituba (barge terminal), respectively. Intensified competition from the northbound route 

decreased truck rates from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso to the southern port of Santos about 2 percent 

although rates from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso to Paranaguá increased 12 percent.

In contrast, ocean freight costs in 2020 increased but not by enough to offset lower truck costs. For first 

quarter 2020, ocean rates declined overall, but remained higher than first-quarter 2019 levels.3 On average, 

ocean rates from the southern Brazilian ports increased nearly 13 percent to Shanghai, China, year to year, 

compared to an increase of 29 percent to Hamburg, Germany (tables 1, 1a, and 9). In first quarter 2020, the 

ocean freight spread was $3/mt for the routes from the northeastern port of Barcarena ($38.50/mt) and the 

port of Santos ($35.50) to Shanghai (table 9).4 The ocean freight spread was $1.25/mt for the routes from the 

northeastern port of São Luís ($36.75/mt) and the port of Santos ($35.50) to Shanghai (table 9). In Sorriso, 

North MT—the largest Brazilian soybean-producing state—first quarter 2020 transportation costs represented 

nearly 26-27 percent of the total landed costs of shipping soybeans to Shanghai through Santos. Also, in 

Sorriso, transportation costs represented 22 percent of the total landed costs through the port of Santarém 

(tables 1 and 1a).

For the first 4 months of 2020, Santos was the largest Brazilian soybean export port, followed in descending 

order by Paranaguá, Barcarena, Rio Grande, São Luís, Santarém, São Francisco do Sul, and Manaus (fig. 1) 

(MDIC). These ports accounted for 93 percent of Brazil’s total soybean exports. With the shares broken down 

from a north/south perspective, the southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São Francisco do 

Sul dominated the soybean trade, accounting for about 63 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports. Meanwhile, the 

northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for 21 percent of soybean exports. 

The Amazon River ports of Manaus and Santarém exported 14 percent.

Year to year, average 2020 Brazilian soybean export prices decreased 6 percent, from $358 per mt to $335 per 

mt (MDIC). The weakening of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar offset the slight year-to-year fall in farm 

gate prices, from $299.06/mt to $296.27/mt, when measured in U.S. dollars because soybeans are priced in 

U.S. dollars but paid in reais (Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)). Farm prices measured in reais 

increased an average of 11 percent, from R$1,127.44/mt in 2019 to R$1,316.94 in the first quarter of 2020 

(CONAB).

From January-April 2020, soybean exports to China increased 32 percent from 18.6 mmt to 24.7 mmt 

(valued at $8.4 billion) (MDIC). China received 73 percent of Brazil’s total soybean exports (33.7 mmt). The 

next highest shares of Brazil’s soybean exports went (in declining order) to the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, 

3 Ocean during first half of 2018 were unusually low because of lower Chinese iron ore imports and the collapse of a mine-waste dam in 

southeastern Brazil that disrupted Brazilian iron supply (Grain Transportation Report (GTR)).

4 Ocean freight spread is the cost difference between two vessel routes to the same destination.
3

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Thailand, Pakistan and Mexico. The southern ports of Santos, Paranaguá, Rio Grande, and São Francisco do Sul 

accounted for 80 percent of total soybean exports to China (fig. 1). The Northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitoria, 

Barcarena, and Salvador accounted for nearly 20 percent of Brazilian soybeans to China. The Northern ports 

of Santarém and Manaus represented less than 1 percent of exports to China. For more information, contact 

Delmy L. Salin at delmy.salin@ams.usda.gov.

Table 1. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China

2019 

1st qtr.

2020 

1st qtr.

% Change 

2019-20

2019 

1st qtr.

2020 

1st qtr.

% Change 

2019-20

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 68.33 -16.6 26.05 22.92 -12.0

Ocean 32.25 35.50 10.1 31.58 37.00 17.2

Total transportation 114.17 103.83 -9.0 57.63 59.92 4.0

Farm gate price3 275.38 282.59 2.6 308.52 300.04 -2.7

Landed cost 389.54 386.43 -0.8 366.15 359.97 -1.7

Transport % of landed cost 29.3 26.9 -8.3 15.7 16.6 5.8

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 24.79 -17.1 71.05 67.48 -5.0

Rail4 41.21 37.73 -8.5 - - -

Ocean 32.25 35.50 10.1 33.75 37.25 10.4

Total transportation 103.36 98.02 -5.2 104.80 104.73 -0.1

Farm gate price3 275.38 282.59 2.6 275.38 282.59 2.6

Landed cost 378.73 380.61 0.5 380.18 387.32 1.9

Transport % of landed cost 27.3 25.8 -5.6 27.6 27.0 -1.9

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul and MT= Mato Grosso.

2

Export port.

3

The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).

4

In Brazil, there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be up to 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
4

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 1a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern 

ports to Shanghai, China

2019 

1st qtr.

2020 

1st qtr.

% Change 

2019-20

2019 

1st qtr.

2020 

1st qtr.

% Change 

2019-20

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 59.40 44.10 -25.8 37.04 28.86 -22.1

Ocean 32.25 36.50 13.2 31.00 36.75 18.5

Total transportation 91.65 80.60 -12.1 68.04 65.61 -3.6

Farm gate price3 275.38 282.59 2.6 298.43 300.23 0.6

Landed cost 367.03 363.20 -1.0 366.47 365.83 -0.2

Transport % of landed cost 25.0 22.2 -11.1 18.6 17.9 -3.4

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

Truck 45.24 32.49 -28.2 53.99 37.11 -31.3

Barge4 - - - 19.66 16.42 -16.5

Ocean 31.00 36.75 18.5 32.25 38.50 19.4

Total transportation 76.24 69.24 -9.2 105.90 92.03 -13.1

Farm gate price3 292.96 302.03 3.1 275.38 282.59 2.6

Landed cost 369.20 371.27 0.6 381.28 374.62 -1.7

Transport % of landed cost 20.7 18.6 -9.7 27.8 24.6 -11.6

1

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

2

Export port.

3

The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB). 

4

In Brazil, there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be up to 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
5

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 2. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Hamburg, Germany

2019 

1st qtr.

2020 

1st qtr.

% Change 

2019-20

2019 

1st qtr.

2020 

1st qtr.

% Change 

2019-20

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 68.33 -16.6 26.05 22.92 -12.0

Ocean 23.00 29.25 27.2 23.00 29.50 28.3

Total transportation 104.92 97.58 -7.0 49.05 52.42 6.9

Farm gate price3 275.38 282.59 2.6 308.52 300.04 -2.7

Landed cost 380.29 380.18 0.0 357.57 352.47 -1.4

Transport % of landed cost 27.6 25.7 -7.0 13.7 14.9 8.4

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 24.79 -17.1 71.05 67.48 -5.0

Rail4 41.21 37.73 -8.5 - - -

Ocean 23.00 29.25 27.2 23.00 30.00 30.4

Total transportation 94.11 91.77 -2.5 94.05 97.48 3.6

Farm gate price3 275.38 282.59 2.6 275.38 282.59 2.6

Landed cost 369.48 374.36 1.3 369.43 380.07 2.9

Transport % of landed cost 25.5 24.5 -3.8 25.5 25.6 0.7

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul and MT= Mato Grosso.

2

Export port.

3

The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).

4

In Brazil, there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be up to 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
6

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Map of Brazilian Northern 

Arc barge routes ports that 

includes: Itacoatiara/Manaus 

(Amazon River), Santarém 

(Amazon River), Barcarena 

(Pará River), Porto Velho 

(MT) and Miritituba (PA) 

(barge terminals) and Marabá 

(planned barge terminal).

Table 2a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and 

northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

2019 

1st qtr.

2020 

1st qtr.

% Change 

2019-20

2019 

1st qtr.

2020 

1st qtr.

% Change 

2019-20

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 59.40 44.10 -25.8 37.04 28.86 -22.1

Ocean 21.00 25.00 19.0 18.00 22.25 23.6

Total transportation 80.40 69.10 -14.1 55.04 51.11 -7.1

Farm gate price3 275.38 282.59 2.6 298.43 300.23 0.6

Landed cost 355.78 351.70 -1.1 353.47 351.33 -0.6

Transport % of landed cost 22.6 19.6 -13.1 15.6 14.5 -6.6

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mt--

Truck 45.24 32.49 -28.2 53.99 37.11 -31.3

Barge4 - - - 19.66 16.42 -16.5

Ocean 18.00 22.25 23.6 19.00 24.00 26.3

Total transportation 63.24 54.74 -13.4 92.65 77.53 -16.3

Farm gate price3 292.96 302.03 3.1 275.38 282.59 2.6

Landed cost 356.20 356.77 0.2 368.03 360.12 -2.1

Transport % of landed cost 17.8 15.3 -13.6 25.2 21.5 -14.5

1

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

2

Export port.

3

The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).

4

In Brazil, there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be up to 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
7

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Indicators

Figure 2. Routes1 and regions considered in the Brazilian soybean export transportation indicator2

1

Table defining routes by number is shown on page 12.

2

Regions comprised about 81 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2018.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
8

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China

—2020—

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 68.33 68.33 67.48 67.48

Ocean 35.50 35.50 37.25 37.25

Total transportation 103.83 103.83 104.73 104.73

Farm gate price3 282.59 282.59 282.59 282.59

Landed cost 386.43 386.43 387.32 387.32

Transport % of landed cost 26.9 26.9 27.0 27.0

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 24.79 24.79 22.92 22.92

Rail4 37.73 37.73 - -

Ocean 35.50 35.50 37.00 37.00

Total transportation 98.02 98.02 59.92 59.92

Farm gate price3 282.59 282.59 300.04 300.04

Landed cost 380.61 380.61 359.97 359.97

Transport % of landed cost 25.8 25.8 16.6 16.6

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, and PR = Paraná. 

2

Export port.

3

The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).

4 In, Brazil, there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be up to 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton. Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
9

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 4. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Hamburg, Germany

—2020—

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 68.33 68.33 67.48 67.48

Ocean 29.25 29.25 30.00 30.00

Total transportation 97.58 97.58 97.48 97.48

Farm gate price3 282.59 282.59 282.59 282.59

Landed cost 380.18 380.18 380.07 380.07

Transport % of landed cost 25.7 25.7 25.6 25.6

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 24.79 24.79 22.92 22.92

Rail4 37.73 37.73 - -

Ocean 29.25 29.25 29.50 29.50

Total transportation 91.77 91.77 52.42 52.42

Farm gate price3 282.59 282.59 300.04 300.04

Landed cost 374.36 374.36 352.47 352.47

Transport % of landed cost 24.5 24.5 14.9 14.9

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, and PR = Paraná.

2

Export port.

3

The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).

4

In, Brazil, there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be up to 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton. Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
10

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 5. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

northern and northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

—2020—

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 44.10 44.10 28.86 28.86

Ocean 36.50 36.50 36.75 36.75

Total transportation 80.60 80.60 65.61 65.61

Farm gate price3 282.59 282.59 300.23 300.23

Landed cost 363.20 363.20 365.83 365.83

Transport % of landed cost 22.2 22.2 17.9 17.9

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 32.49 32.49 37.11 37.11

Barge4 - - 16.42 16.42

Ocean 36.75 36.75 38.50 38.50

Total transportation 69.24 69.24 92.03 92.03

Farm gate price3 302.03 302.03 282.59 282.59

Landed cost 371.27 371.27 374.62 374.62

Transport % of landed cost 18.6 18.6 24.6 24.6

1

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

2

Export port.

3

The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).

4

In Brazil, there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be up to 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton. Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
11

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 6. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

northern and northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

—2020—

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 44.10 44.10 28.86 28.86

Ocean 25.00 25.00 22.25 22.25

Total transportation 69.10 69.10 51.11 51.11

Farm gate price3 282.59 282.59 300.23 300.23

Landed cost 351.70 351.70 351.33 351.33

Transport % of landed cost 19.6 19.6 14.5 14.5

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 32.49 32.49 37.11 37.11

Barge4 - - 16.42 16.42

Ocean 22.25 22.25 24.00 24.00

Total transportation 54.74 54.74 77.53 77.53

Farm gate price3 302.03 302.03 282.59 282.59

Landed cost 356.77 356.77 360.12 360.12

Transport % of landed cost 15.3 15.3 21.5 21.5

1

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

2

Export port.

3

The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).

4

In Brazil, there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be up to 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton. Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
12

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020

Route 

#

Origin1 

(reference city)

Destination

Distance 

(miles)2

Share 

(%)3

 Freight price (US$/mt/100 miles)4

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

1 Northwest RS5 (Cruz Alta) Rio Grande 288 11.3 7.96 7.96

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.0 5.74 5.74

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 2.9 5.35 5.35

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 4.8 5.54 5.54

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 3.9 5.60 5.60

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.2 8.00 8.00

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.4 7.22 7.22

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.0 7.66 7.66

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 2.3 6.71 6.71

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 6.6 5.97 5.97

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.4 5.26 5.26

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.2 5.05 5.05

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.5 5.99 5.99

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.2 5.82 5.82

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 1.6 5.94 5.94

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 1.9 6.35 6.35

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.8 6.46 6.46

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.0 10.54 10.54

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.3 9.63 9.63

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.4 5.06 5.06

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.0 6.40 6.40

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 3.3 5.55 5.55

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 0.0 5.08 5.08

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 2.9 5.34 5.34

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

Average monthly exchange rate from “Banco Central do Brasil” was used to convert Brazilian reais to the U.S. dollars.

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, and TO=Tocantins.

6

In Brazil, there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be up to 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on the volumes hauled 

and the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers. 

7

In Brazil, there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be up to 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on the volumes hauled 

and the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton. Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

-continued on page 13-
13

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020

Route 

#

Origin1 

(reference city)

Destination

Distance 

(miles)2

Share 

(%)3

 Freight price (US$/mt/100 miles)4

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

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.5 7.10 7.10

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.7 7.57 7.57

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.4 5.52 5.52

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 5.7 5.22 5.22

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.1 5.03 5.03

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.1 5.99 5.99

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.6 5.36 5.36

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.5 7.17 7.17

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.6 5.04 5.04

Weighted average 587 100.0 6.33 6.33

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 6.49 6.49

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 3.70 3.70

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 224 4.73 4.73

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 738 2.23 2.23

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

Average monthly exchange rate from “Banco Central do Brasil” was used to convert Brazilian reais to the U.S. dollars.

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, and TO=Tocantins.

6

In Brazil, there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be up to 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on the volumes hauled 

and the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers. 

7

In Brazil, there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be up to 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on the volumes hauled 

and the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles.

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton. Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
14

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 8. Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index

Month Freight price

(US$/mt/100 miles)

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan-05=100) Month Freight price(US$/mt/100 miles) 

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan-05=100)

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

Jan-14 8.86 -0.6 152.73 Jan-18 7.59 5.0 130.90

Feb-14 10.34 16.7 178.24 Feb-18 8.65 13.9 149.04

Mar-14 11.61 12.3 200.13 Mar-18 10.59 22.5 182.61

Apr-14 11.35 -2.2 195.65 Apr-18 9.78 -7.7 168.59

May-14 10.90 -4.0 187.89 May-18 8.96 -8.4 154.45

Jun-14 10.34 -5.1 178.24 Jun-18 8.89 -0.8 153.24

Jul-14 10.16 -1.7 175.21 Jul-18 8.97 0.9 154.58

Aug-14 10.10 -0.6 174.08 Aug-18 8.24 -8.1 142.00

Sep-14 9.66 -4.3 166.54 Sep-18 7.24 -12.1 124.78

Oct-14 8.77 -9.3 151.13 Oct-18 7.69 6.2 132.55

Nov-14 8.36 -4.6 144.16 Nov-18 7.51 -2.3 129.44

Dec-14 7.96 -4.9 137.15 Dec-18 7.19 -4.3 123.87

Jan-15 8.01 0.7 138.15 Jan-19 7.72 7.5 133.13

Feb-15 8.02 0.1 138.29 Feb-19 8.19 6.0 141.15

Mar-15 8.32 3.7 143.44 Mar-19 7.34 -10.3 126.61

Apr-15 9.00 8.2 155.13 Apr-19 7.16 -2.6 123.35

May-15 8.39 -6.8 144.58 May-19 6.73 -5.9 116.02

Jun-15 8.01 -4.5 138.12 Jun-19 6.94 3.1 119.56

Jul-15 7.56 -5.7 130.25 Jul-19 8.33 20.1 143.60

Aug-15 7.38 -2.4 127.15 Aug-19 7.85 -5.8 135.23

Sep-15 6.60 -10.5 113.78 Sep-19 7.09 -9.7 122.17

Oct-15 6.70 1.5 115.43 Oct-19 6.57 -7.4 113.19

Nov-15 7.08 5.8 122.08 Nov-19 6.41 -2.3 110.54

Dec-15 6.76 -4.5 116.56 Dec-19 5.93 -7.5 102.21

Jan-16 6.42 -5.1 110.63 Jan-20 6.03 1.7 103.90

Feb-16 6.73 4.8 115.98 Feb-20 6.76 12.2 116.52

Mar-16 7.79 15.8 134.33 Mar-20 6.20 -8.2 106.95

Apr-16 8.30 6.5 143.05

May-16 7.28 -12.3 125.43

Jun-16 7.16 -1.5 123.51

Jul-16 7.46 4.2 128.64

Aug-16 7.33 -1.7 126.41

Sep-16 6.35 -13.3 109.53

Oct-16 5.88 -7.5 101.35

Nov-16 5.00 -14.9 86.21

Dec-16 5.47 9.4 94.32

*Weighted average. 

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de 

Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
15

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2017-20

Figure 4. Truck rates for selected north, south, and northeastern Brazilian soybean 

export transportation routes, 2017-20

Note: mt = metric ton.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

Note: mt = metric ton.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

$13

$14

01/1704/1707/1710/1701/1804/1807/1810/1801/1904/1907/1910/1901/20

US$/mt /100 miles

Western Central PR to Paranaguá

North MT to Paranaguá

Southwest MS to Paranaguá

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

Oct-19

Jan-20

US$/mt/100 miles

North MT (Sorriso)

to Santos

North MT to

Paranaguá

North MT (Sorriso)

to Santarém

North MT (Sorriso)

to Itaituba

 South MA (Balsas)

to São Luís
16

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2017-20

Note: mt = metric ton.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

$0

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

Oct-19

Jan-20

US$/mt/100 miles
17

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 9. Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected Brazilian ports to 

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2015 2nd qtr. 2015 3rd qtr. 2015 4th qtr. 2015

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 14.50 13.50 20.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 18.25 16.38 20.50

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 16.00 15.20 21.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 29.50 22.50 23.25 20.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 31.50 23.50 24.18 20.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 29.50 25.00 25.75 21.00

Santarém China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

São Luís China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2016 2nd qtr. 2016 3rd qtr .2016 4th qtr. 2016

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 16.00 17.00 16.50 24.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 11.03 14.13 15.00 19.80

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 8.25 11.00 11.80 15.80

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 9.60 12.45 13.20 17.35

Santos China (Shanghai) 17.50 16.50 12.50 20.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 18.00 18.50 14.50 21.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 18.50 17.00 13.00 20.50

Santarém China (Shanghai) 22.00 21.00 19.40 23.75

São Luís China (Shanghai) 20.00 18.40 17.50 22.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 22.50 21.50 20.00 23.75

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2017 2nd qtr. 2017 3rd qtr. 2017 4th qtr. 2017

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 23.60 25.00 26.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 17.60 20.00 21.20 22.00

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 18.00 20.60 21.80 22.70

Santos China (Shanghai) 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 20.50 30.50 31.00 31.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 18.00 29.50 31.00 30.70

Santarém China (Shanghai) 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50

São Luís China (Shanghai) 23.50 30.25 31.00 33.50

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50

*The rates correspond to the average actual values negotiated between shippers and carriers and qtr. = weighted according to the magnitude of 

the shipped volume. 

Note: qtr. = quarter.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

-continued on page 18-
18

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 9. Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected Brazilian ports to 

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2018 2nd qtr. 2018 3rd qtr. 2018 4th qtr. 2018

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 27.00 25.00 24.00 25.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 25.00 22.90 22.50 23.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 19.10 18.50 19.00

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 20.90 20.20 20.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 32.50 31.00 27.75 30.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 32.00 32.00 28.75 31.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 33.00 31.50 28.25 31.50

Santarém China (Shanghai) 38.50 35.50 31.25 34.00

São Luís China (Shanghai) 37.00 34.80 30.75 33.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 37.50 33.80 32.25 35.00

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2019 2nd qtr. 2019 3rd qtr. 2019 4th qtr. 2019

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.50 27.00 31.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 27.00 30.75

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 27.00 31.25

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 20.25 25.92 26.50

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 18.00 17.10 22.77 23.50

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 19.00 17.85 23.52 24.25

Santos China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.92 33.25 38.17

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 33.75 31.42 34.75 39.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 31.58 30.25 34.25 39.67

Santarém China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.58 38.25 39.17

São Luís China (Shanghai) 31.00 30.58 38.25 39.42

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 32.25 29.92 38.25 39.42

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2020 2nd qtr. 2020 3rd qtr. 2020 4th qtr. 2020

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 29.25 

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 29.50 

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 25.00 

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 22.25 

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 24.00 

Santos China (Shanghai) 35.50 

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 37.25 

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 37.00 

Santarém China (Shanghai) 36.50 

São Luís China (Shanghai) 36.75 

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 38.50 

*The rates correspond to the average actual values negotiated between shippers and carriers and qtr. = weighted according to the magnitude of 

the shipped volume. 

Note: qtr. = quarter.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
19

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Contact Information:

Delmy L. Salin

Senior Economist, Project Manager

delmy.salin@usda.gov

202.720.0833

Jessica Ladd

Visual Information Specialist

jessica.ladd@usda.gov

202.720.6494

Data Sets (XLS files):

• Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2017-20

• Figure 4. Truck rates for selected north, south, and northeastern Brazilian soybean export 

transportation routes, 2017-20

• Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2017-20

• Table 1. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Shanghai, China

• Table 1a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Shanghai, China

• Table 2. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Hamburg, 

Germany

• Table 2a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Hamburg, Germany

• Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Shanghai, China

• Table 4. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Hamburg, 

Germany

• Table 5. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Shanghai, China

• Table 6. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Hamburg, Germany

• Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020

• Table 8. Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index

• Table 9. Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected Brazilian ports to Germany 

and China (US$/metric ton)

Subscription Information: Send relevant information to GTRContactUs@usda.gov for an electronic copy.

Related Websites:

• Soybean Transportation Guide: Brazil 2018 (PDF)

• Prior Articles: Brazil Soybean Transportation

• Related Articles: Grain Transportation Report: March 21, 2019 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

Salin, Delmy. Brazil Soybean Transportation. May 2020. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 

Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.05-2020>

Photo Credit: USDA

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