Record Exports and Transportation Cost

In the first 6 months of 2023, Brazil exported a record 62.8 million metric tons (mmt) of soybeans, valued 

at $38.1 billion (fig. 1) (Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia).1 From second quarter 2022 to second quarter 

2023 (year to year), Brazil’s soybean transportation costs declined mostly because of a significant drop in 

ocean rates (tables 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and 9). Because of a growing vessel supply (from April to May), ocean 

shipping rates declined, boosting capacity during the peak of the Brazil soybean export season (Grain 

Transportation Report (GTR), July 27). Truck rates varied by region, but overall, the cost of shipping a metric 

ton (mt) of soybeans 100 miles by truck rose 6 percent—from $8.90 per mt to $9.41 per mt (table 8). For 

the route to Shanghai, China, from Sorriso, Mato Grosso (the largest Brazilian soybean-producing State), via 

Santos, soybean transportation costs, represented 25-26 percent of the total landed costs during the second 

quarter 2023, versus 34 percent in 2008 and 45 percent in 2006. Year to year, soybean transportation costs 

to Shanghai, China—as a share of total landed costs—rose 14-21 percent for the routes from northern Mato 

Grosso to Santos, Santarém, and Barcarena. 

1  In this report, the source of Brazil export data is the Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

Brazil Soybean Transportation

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

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

Second Quarter 2023 (April, May, June)

Published September 2023

Figure 1. Brazil average monthly soybean exports, 2022-23

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

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

2022 2.5 6.3 12.2 11.5 10.6 10.0 7.5 5.9 4.1 3.8 2.6 2.0

2023 0.8 5.0 13.2 14.3 15.6 13.8 8.7 - - - - -

Million metric tons

2022

2023

Note: Hyphens designate data were unavailable.

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

2

The average soybean export price per metric ton (mt) in second quarter 2023 ($518.94) fell 15 percent from 

second quarter 2022’s average ($612.96) and fell 12 percent from the average for all of 2022 ($591.37). 

Because soybeans are priced in U.S. dollars but paid in reais, Brazilian farmers continue to benefit from the 

real’s relative weakness against the U.S. dollar. Year to year, the Brazilian real slightly depreciated against 

the U.S. dollar—from R$4.93 per U.S. dollar to R$4.95 per U.S. dollar (Brazil Central Bank). Brazil’s average 

farm gate prices for soybeans fell 30 percent, because of abundant local soybean supplies. Measured in U.S. 

dollars, that decline was from $591.59/mt to $413.76/mt—and in reais, from R$2,909.69/mt to R$2,048.41/mt 

(CONAB).

From January to June 2023, Brazil exported 43.6 mmt of soybeans to China, valued at $23.1 billion—nearly 

24 percent more than the total of 35.2 mmt from January to June 2022. The next highest shares of Brazil’s 

soybean exports (in declining order) went to Argentina, Spain, Thailand, and Turkey. The southern ports of 

Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São Francisco do Sul still dominate the soybean trade to China, accounting 

for 68 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports to China. Also, in the first 6 months of 2023, the northeastern ports 

of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for nearly 32 percent of soybean exports to China. The 

Amazon River port of Manaus exported a small amount to China. The ocean freight spread (or cost difference) 

between the routes to Shanghai, China, from the northeastern port of São Luís ($40.00/mt) and the port of 

Santos ($35.20/mt) was $4.80/mt (table 9). 

Infrastructure Update

The North-South (EF-151) Railroad (FSN): Porto National, Tocantins-Estrela d’Oeste, São Paulo. Stretching for 

1,402 miles (2,257 km), this new railroad represents a major connection in Brazil’s rail network. The NorthSouth Railroad links the northeastern port of Itaquí-Sâo Luis, Maranhão, with the southern port of Santos-São 

Paulo. The four States receiving new access are Tocantins, Goiás, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo. Since 2019, 

Rumo S.A. has signed the 30-year concession contract for Ferrovia Norte-Sul (North-South Railway) from 

Estrela d’Oeste to Porto Nacional.

Current status: The railroad’s construction, which began 35 years ago, was completed in June 2023 with the 

inauguration of Rumo’s rail terminal in Rio Verde (Goiás). The facility will handle 11 million metric tons of 

grain and soybean meal per year to serve Goiás and eastern Mato Grosso. Despite being 124 miles (200 km) 

from São Simão, the terminal is now the closest one to the southwest Goiás producers. These infrastructure 

investments facilitate the production flow from the largest agribusiness region in the country to the southern 

Port of Santos, bringing fertilizers in as backhaul. Offering an alternative route to Center-West producers, 

shipping via this rail expansion currently costs 15-20 percent less than by trucking (according to Rumo) and 

it offers even greater savings over barge through the Tietê-Paraná waterway. Also, the new railroad will be 

used to transport containers from Maranhão to the Southeast region. Currently, Rumo focuses on transporting 

grain and oilseeds, such as soybeans, corn, and soybean meal. However, there is potential for other cargoes. 

In July 2023, Rumo joined a new partnership with an American company, Central Harvest States (CHS), to build 

and operate a multimodal grain terminal in Alvorada, southern Tocantins, in north-central Brazil. The terminal 

will handle 1.5 mmt of grain annually, destined for the Port of Santos. It will link into the newly completed 

North-South Railroad. The terminal will handle grain volumes (soybeans and corn) from CHS and other 

interested parties in the region. Construction is scheduled to begin during the second half of 2023 with the 

first grain shipments in mid-2024 (Soybean & Corn Advisor). Since 2021, Rumo and CHS have had a fertilizer 

terminal in Rio Verde through Andali—a joint venture of BRFertil with CHS. The plant offers structures for cargo 

transportation and fertilizer mixing. 

For more information, contact Delmy L. Salin at delmy.salin@usda.gov.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

3

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

southern ports to Shanghai, China

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change 

2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23 2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23

Truck 102.44 100.36 -2.0 32.57 33.70 3.5

Ocean 65.75 35.20 -46.5 66.50 35.70 -46.3

Total transportation 168.19 135.56 -19.4 99.07 69.40 -30.0

Farm gate price3 566.29 384.93 -32.0 617.87 437.80 -29.1

Landed cost 734.48 520.49 -29.1 716.94 507.20 -29.3

Transport % of landed cost 22.9 26.0 13.7 13.8 13.7 -1.0

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23 2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23

Truck 34.83 35.89 3.0 101.50 98.90 -2.6

Rail4 45.54 54.47 19.6 - - -

Ocean 65.75 35.20 -46.5 67.75 36.70 -45.8

Total transportation 146.12 125.56 -14.1 169.25 135.60 -19.9

Farm gate price3 566.29 384.93 -32.0 566.29 384.93 -32.0

Landed cost 712.41 510.49 -28.3 735.55 520.53 -29.2

Transport % of landed cost 20.5 24.6 19.9 23.0 26.1 13.2

1

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

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 published 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.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

4

Table 1b. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans 

from the northern and northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

North MT1 - Santarém2 South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23 2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23

Truck 64.82 68.56 5.8 46.68 41.07 -12.0

Ocean 69.90 39.40 -43.6 70.00 40.00 -42.9

Total transportation 134.72 107.96 -19.9 116.68 81.07 -30.5

Farm gate price3 566.29 384.93 -32.0 591.24 420.39 -28.9

Landed cost 701.01 492.89 -29.7 707.92 501.46 -29.2

Transport % of landed cost 19.2 21.9 14.0 16.5 16.2 -1.9

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23 2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23

Truck 51.28 46.41 -9.5 52.63 58.45 11.1

Barge4 - - - 19.93 27.47 37.8

Ocean 70.00 40.00 -42.9 72.00 40.20 -44.2

Total transportation 121.28 86.41 -28.8 144.56 126.12 -12.8

Farm gate price3 585.80 406.67 -30.6 566.29 384.93 -32.0

Landed cost 707.08 493.08 -30.3 710.86 511.05 -28.1

Transport % of landed cost 17.2 17.5 2.2 20.3 24.7 21.3

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 published 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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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

5

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

southern ports to Hamburg, Germany

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23 2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23

Truck 102.44 100.36 -2.0 32.57 33.70 3.5

Ocean 55.85 33.20 -40.6 57.20 34.20 -40.2

Total transportation 158.29 133.56 -15.6 89.77 67.90 -24.4

Farm gate price3 566.29 384.93 -32.0 617.87 437.80 -29.1

Landed cost 724.58 518.49 -28.4 707.64 505.70 -28.5

Transport % of landed cost 21.8 25.8 17.9 12.7 13.4 5.8

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 34.83 35.89 3.0 101.50 98.90 -2.6

Rail4 45.54 54.47 19.6 - - -

Ocean 55.85 33.20 -40.6 54.60 32.50 -40.5

Total transportation 136.22 123.56 -9.3 156.10 131.40 -15.8

Farm gate price3 566.29 384.93 -32.0 566.29 384.93 -32.0

Landed cost 702.51 508.49 -27.6 722.40 516.33 -28.5

Transport % of landed cost 19.4 19.4 0.0 21.6 25.4 17.8

1

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

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 published 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.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

6

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

northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

North MT1 - Santarém2 South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 64.82 68.56 5.8 46.68 41.07 -12.0

Ocean 52.00 31.50 -39.4 60.00 36.30 -39.5

Total transportation 116.82 100.06 -14.3 106.68 77.37 -27.5

Farm gate price3 566.29 384.93 -32.0 591.24 420.39 -28.9

Landed cost 683.11 484.99 -29.0 697.92 497.76 -28.7

Transport % of landed cost 17.1 20.6 20.6 15.3 15.5 1.7

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23 2nd qtr. 

2022

2nd qtr. 

2023

2022-23

Truck 51.28 46.41 -9.5 52.63 58.45 11.1

Barge4 - - - 19.93 27.47 37.8

Ocean 60.00 36.30 -39.5 50.80 31.00 -39.0

Total transportation 111.28 82.71 -25.7 123.36 116.92 -5.2

Farm gate price3 585.80 406.67 -30.6 566.29 384.93 -32.0

Landed cost 697.08 489.38 -29.8 689.66 501.85 -27.2

Transport % of landed cost 16.0 16.9 5.9 17.9 23.3 30.2

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 published 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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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

7

Regions considered in the 

Brazilian soybean export 

transportation indicator.

Regions (listed above) 

and routes.

BA=Bahia

GO=Goiás

MG=Minas Gerais

MS=Mato Grosso do Sul

MT=Mato Grosso

PA=Pará

PI=Piauí

PR=Paraná

RS=Rio Grande do Sul

SP=São Paulo

TO=Tocantins

Indicators

Figure 2. Routes2 and regions considered in the Brazilian soybean export transportation indicator3

2 Table defining routes by number is shown on page 12.

3 Regions comprised about 79 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2021 (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics—Produção Agricola 

Municipal).

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

8

Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China, 2023

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 96.25 100.36 98.30 95.66 98.90 97.28

Ocean 33.50 35.20 34.35 35.00 36.70 35.85

Total transportation 129.75 135.56 132.65 130.66 135.60 133.13

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 428.48 472.04 384.93 428.48

Landed cost 601.78 520.49 561.14 602.70 520.53 561.61

Transport % of landed cost 21.6 26.0 23.8 21.7 26.1 23.9

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 34.85 35.89 35.37 33.02 33.70 33.36

Rail4 49.62 54.47 52.04 - - -

Ocean 33.50 35.20 34.35 34.00 35.70 34.85

Total transportation 117.97 125.56 121.76 67.02 69.40 68.21

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 428.48 525.80 437.80 481.80

Landed cost 590.00 510.49 550.25 592.81 507.20 550.01

Transport % of landed cost 20.0 24.6 22.3 11.3 13.7 12.5

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 published 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.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

9

Table 4. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Hamburg, Germany, 2023

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 96.25 100.36 98.30 95.66 98.90 97.28

Ocean 31.65 33.20 32.43 31.00 32.50 31.75

Total transportation 127.90 133.56 130.73 126.66 131.40 129.03

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 428.48 472.04 384.93 428.48

Landed cost 599.93 518.49 559.21 598.70 516.33 557.51

Transport % of landed cost 21.3 25.8 23.5 21.2 21.6 21.4

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 34.85 35.89 35.37 33.02 33.70 33.36

Rail4 49.62 54.47 52.04 - - - - -

Ocean 31.65 33.20 32.43 32.50 34.20 33.35

Total transportation 116.12 123.56 119.84 65.52 67.90 66.71

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 428.48 525.80 437.80 481.80

Landed cost 588.15 508.49 548.32 591.31 505.70 548.51

Transport % of landed cost 19.7 19.4 19.6 11.1 13.4 12.3

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 published 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.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

10

Table 5. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

northern and northeastern ports to Shanghai, China, 2023

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 62.23 68.56 65.39 41.03 41.07 41.05

Ocean 37.50 39.40 38.45 38.00 40.00 39.00

Total transportation 99.73 107.96 103.84 79.03 81.07 80.05

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 428.48 508.13 420.39 464.26

Landed cost 571.76 492.89 532.33 587.16 501.46 544.31

Transport % of landed cost 17.4 21.9 19.7 13.5 16.2 14.8

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 46.93 46.41 46.67 53.34 58.45 55.89

Barge4 - - - 21.24 27.47 24.35

Ocean 38.00 40.00 39.00 38.25 40.20 39.23

Total transportation 84.93 86.41 85.67 112.83 126.12 119.47

Farm gate price3 499.05 406.67 452.86 472.04 384.93 428.48

Landed cost 583.97 493.08 538.53 584.86 511.05 547.96

Transport % of landed cost 14.5 17.5 16.0 19.3 24.7 22.0

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 published 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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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

11

Table 6. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

northern and northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany, 2023

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 62.23 68.56 65.39 41.03 41.07 41.05

Ocean 30.00 31.50 30.75 34.50 36.30 35.40

Total transportation 92.23 100.06 96.14 75.53 77.37 76.45

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 428.48 508.13 420.39 464.26

Landed cost 564.26 484.99 524.63 583.66 497.76 540.71

Transport % of landed cost 16.3 20.6 18.5 12.9 15.5 14.2

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 46.93 46.41 46.67 53.34 58.45 55.89

Barge4 - - - 26.11 27.47 26.79

Ocean 34.50 36.30 35.40 29.40 31.00 30.20

Total transportation 81.43 82.71 82.07 108.85 116.92 112.89

Farm gate price3 499.05 406.67 452.86 472.04 566.29 519.16

Landed cost 580.47 489.38 534.93 580.89 683.21 632.05

Transport % of landed cost 14.0 16.9 15.5 18.7 17.1 17.9

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 published 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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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

12

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2023

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 10.2 11.46 11.70 11.58

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 2.9 8.09 8.43 8.26

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 2.7 7.58 7.84 7.71

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.0 7.77 8.38 8.08

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.0 7.96 8.19 8.07

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 2.8 11.40 11.96 11.68

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.2 10.59 10.82 10.70

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.3 10.77 11.57 11.17

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 3.1 9.50 9.73 9.61

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 6.4 8.61 9.39 9.00

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.4 7.37 7.92 7.65

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.2 7.17 7.52 7.35

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.7 8.47 9.02 8.75

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.5 8.46 9.16 8.81

15 Northeast MT (Canarana) São Luís 1,177 2.0 6.96 7.31 7.14

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 2.0 8.98 9.58 9.28

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.7 9.28 9.68 9.48

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 1.8 14.81 16.09 15.45

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.2 13.16 14.28 13.72

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.7 7.26 8.02 7.64

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.4 9.15 9.43 9.29

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 2.4 7.87 8.46 8.16

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 1.4 7.23 7.76 7.49

1

The main city in the regions 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

Share of exports in total production (percentage).

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 published 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 published 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.

For more details, on the definitions/calculations contact esalqlog@esalqlog.esalq.usp.br.

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

-continued on page 13-
Brazil Soybean Transportation

13

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.

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 2.1 7.41 7.78 7.59

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.7 10.01 10.58 10.30

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.6 10.33 10.98 10.65

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.2 7.94 8.70 8.32

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 5.5 7.46 7.75 7.61

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.0 7.10 7.82 7.46

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.0 8.52 8.53 8.52

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.5 7.75 7.66 7.70

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.6 10.50 10.16 10.33

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.8 7.06 7.26 7.16

Weighted average 587 100.0 8.92 9.41 9.17

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 9.12 9.39 9.26

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 4.87 5.35 5.11

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 153 7.93 7.93

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 600 3.54 3.54

38 South GO (Rio Verde) (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 546 5.96 6.72 6.34

1

The main city in the regions 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

Share of exports in total production (percentage).

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 published 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 published 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.

For more details, on the definitions/calculations contact esalqlog@esalqlog.esalq.usp.br.

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

14

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)

Jan-16 6.42 -5.1 110.63

Feb-16 6.73 4.8 115.98

Mar-16 7.79 15.8 134.33

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

Jan-17 7.32 33.8 126.20

Feb-17 9.85 34.6 169.85

Mar-17 10.38 5.3 178.90

Apr-17 9.52 -8.3 164.05

May-17 8.75 -8.0 150.90

Jun-17 8.18 -6.5 141.04

Jul-17 8.74 6.8 150.66

Aug-17 9.85 12.7 169.76

Sep-17 8.97 -9.0 154.55

Oct-17 8.64 -3.6 148.93

Nov-17 8.36 -3.2 144.11

Dec-17 7.23 -13.5 124.63

Jan-18 7.59 5.0 130.90

Feb-18 8.65 13.9 149.04

Mar-18 10.59 22.5 182.61

Apr-18 9.78 -7.7 168.59

May-18 8.96 -8.4 154.45

Jun-18 8.89 -0.8 153.24

Jul-18 8.97 0.9 154.58

Aug-18 8.24 -8.1 142.00

Sep-18 7.24 -12.1 124.78

Oct-18 7.69 6.2 132.55

Nov-18 7.51 -2.3 129.44

Dec-18 7.19 -4.3 123.87

Jan-19 7.72 7.5 133.13

Feb-19 8.19 6.0 141.15

Mar-19 7.34 -10.3 126.61

Apr-19 7.16 -2.6 123.35

May-19 6.73 -5.9 116.02

Jun-19 6.94 3.1 119.56

Jul-19 8.33 20.1 143.60

Aug-19 7.85 -5.8 135.23

Sep-19 7.09 -9.7 122.17

Oct-19 6.57 -7.4 113.19

Nov-19 6.41 -2.3 110.54

Dec-19 5.93 -7.5 102.21

*Weighted average is calculated from production-based shares to weigh high-volume routes more heavily than low-volume routes. The share 

associated with each route is used to define the weight of a given route's freight price in the composition of the monthly weighted export truck 

freight index. 

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

Month Freight price

(US$/mt/100 miles) 

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan-05=100)

Jan-20 6.03 1.7 103.90

Feb-20 6.76 12.2 116.52

Mar-20 6.20 -8.2 106.95

Apr-20 5.86 -5.5 101.09

May-20 5.26 -10.4 90.58

Jun-20 5.45 3.7 93.95

Jul-20 5.44 -0.2 93.74

Aug-20 5.41 -0.4 93.34

Sep-20 5.58 3.0 96.14

Oct-20 4.97 -10.8 85.71

Nov-20 4.58 -7.9 78.95

Dec-20 4.32 -5.8 74.39

Jan-21 4.26 -1.3 73.39

Feb-21 5.60 31.5 96.50

Mar-21 6.93 23.8 119.49

Apr-21 6.20 -10.5 106.96

May-21 5.76 -7.2 99.22

Jun-21 5.87 2.0 101.22

Jul-21 5.09 -13.4 87.70

Aug-21 5.09 0.1 87.81

Sep-21 5.31 4.2 91.53

Oct-21 4.49 -15.5 77.36

Nov-21 4.28 -4.6 73.80

Dec-21 4.54 6.0 78.26

Jan-22 5.94 30.9 102.42

Feb-22 7.77 30.8 134.02

Mar-22 8.59 10.4 147.99

Apr-22 8.83 2.9 152.27

May-22 9.05 2.4 155.94

Jun-22 8.83 -2.4 152.18

Jul-22 8.98 1.7 154.78

Aug-22 8.79 -2.1 151.51

Sep-22 7.93 -9.8 136.68

Oct-22 7.71 -2.7 132.98

Nov-22 7.42 -3.9 127.84

Dec-22 7.94 7.1 136.89

Jan-23 7.97 0.4 137.38

Feb-23 9.41 18.1 162.28

Mar-23 9.39 -0.3 161.87

Apr-23 9.57 1.9 164.91

May-23 9.27 -3.1 159.82

Jun-23 9.38 1.1 161.64
Brazil Soybean Transportation

15

Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020-23

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

export transportation routes, 2020-23

Note: mt = metric ton. MT= Mato Grosso and MA = Maranhão.

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

Note: mt = metric ton. PR = Paraná, MT= Mato Grosso, and MS = Mato Grosso do Sul.

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

01/2004/2007/2010/2001/2104/2107/2110/2101/2204/2207/2210/2201/2304/23

US$/mt /100 miles

Western Central PR to Paranaguá

Southwest MS to Paranaguá

North MT to Paranaguá

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

Jan-20

Apr-20

Jul-20

Oct-20

Jan-21

Apr-21

Jul-21

Oct-21

Jan-22

Apr-22

Jul-22

Oct-22

Jan-23

Apr-23

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
Brazil Soybean Transportation

16

Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2020-23

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-20

Apr-20

Jul-20

Oct-20

Jan-21

Apr-21

Jul-21

Oct-21

Jan-22

Apr-22

Jul-22

Oct-22

Jan-23

Apr-23

US$/mt/100 miles
Brazil Soybean Transportation

17

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

-continued on page 18-

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 29.25 20.50 24.00 25.25

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 21.50 25.00 25.35

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 29.50 20.75 24.50 25.75

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 25.00 16.00 20.75 22.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 22.25 17.50 25.00 26.30

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 24.00 15.00 20.50 21.75

Santos China (Shanghai) 35.50 27.08 31.33 31.67

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 37.25 28.83 33.08 33.42

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 37.00 28.58 32.83 33.17

Santarém China (Shanghai) 36.50 28.08 34.83 35.21

São Luís China (Shanghai) 36.75 28.33 35.33 35.67

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 38.50 28.33 36.33 36.67

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
Brazil Soybean Transportation

18

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2022 2nd qtr. 2022 3rd qtr. 2022 4th qtr. 2022

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 52.70 55.85 42.60 42.20

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 51.50 54.60 41.60 41.20

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 54.00 57.20 43.60 43.10

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 49.10 52.00 46.00 39.60

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 56.50 60.00 40.00 39.80

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 48.00 50.80 39.70 39.20

Santos China (Shanghai) 62.00 65.75 48.70 47.70

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 64.00 67.75 49.00 48.60

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 62.75 66.50 49.00 48.40

Santarém China (Shanghai) 66.00 69.90 56.00 54.80

São Luís China (Shanghai) 66.20 70.00 56.00 55.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 68.00 72.00 55.40 55.50

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2021 2nd qtr. 2021 3rd qtr. 2021 4th qtr. 2021

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 31.25 42.70 54.00 52.50

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 41.90 53.00 51.50

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 32.00 43.80 55.50 53.80

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 28.65 40.00 50.60 49.10

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 33.25 45.90 58.00 56.30

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 28.10 38.90 49.20 47.80

Santos China (Shanghai) 37.00 50.60 64.00 62.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 38.75 52.40 66.00 64.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 37.25 51.00 64.75 62.75

Santarém China (Shanghai) 40.54 55.60 67.50 65.60

São Luís China (Shanghai) 41.00 56.60 68.00 66.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 42.00 58.20 70.00 68.00

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2023 2nd qtr. 2023 3rd qtr. 2023 4th qtr. 2023

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 31.65 33.20 

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 32.50 

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 32.50 34.20 

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 31.50 

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 34.50 36.30 

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 29.40 31.00 

Santos China (Shanghai) 33.50 35.20 

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 35.00 36.70 

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 34.00 35.70 

Santarém China (Shanghai) 37.50 39.40 

São Luís China (Shanghai) 38.00 40.00 

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 38.25 40.20 

*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.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

19

Contact Information:

Delmy L. Salin

Senior Economist, Project Manager

delmy.salin@usda.gov

202.720.0833

Jessica Ladd

Supervisory Visual Information Specialist

jessica.ladd@usda.gov

Data Sets (XLS files):

• Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020-23

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

transportation routes, 2020-23

• Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2020-23

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

China

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

to Shanghai, China

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

Germany

• Table 2b. 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, 2023

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

Germany, 2023

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

to Shanghai, China, 2023

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

to Hamburg, Germany, 2023

• Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2023

• 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

• Prior Articles: Brazil Soybean Transportation

• Related Articles: Grain Transportation Report: June 8, 2023 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

Salin, Delmy. Brazil Soybean Transportation. September 2023. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 

Marketing Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.09-2023>

Photo Credit: USDA

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