Soybean Transportation Guide 

Brazil 2019

Agricultural

Marketing 

Service

August 2020
2

United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Agricultural Marketing Service

Transportation and Marketing Program

August 2020

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 2019. August 2020. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural 

Marketing Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS048.08-2020>

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

Contents

Soybean Transportation Guide: Brazil 2019.

General Information.

2019 Summary.

Transportation Infrastructure. 

Transportation Indicators. 

Soybean Production. 

Exports. 

Exports to China. 

Transportation Modes. 

Reference Material. 

Photo Credits. 
4

Soybean Transportation Guide: Brazil 2019

Executive Summary

The Soybean Transportation Guide is a visual snapshot of Brazilian soybean transportation in 2019. 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 oilseed market. Brazil’s competitiveness in 

the world market depends largely on continual improvement of its transportation infrastructure to reduce 

transportation costs. The country’s position has also benefited from low production costs, increases in planted 

area, high productivity, and a weak national currency. Because Brazilian and U.S. producers use the same 

advanced production and technological methods, their soybeans are relatively interchangeable for buyers. U.S. 

soybean competitiveness worldwide rests on critical factors such as transportation costs and infrastructure 

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

global soybean exports. 

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

USDA forecasts that Brazil is expected to be the world’s largest soybean exporter through 2029. In recent years, 

the United States and Brazil have continued to vie for the position of the world’s leading producer. The United 

States remains the second-largest exporter, followed by Argentina, Paraguay, and Canada. China is the driver of 

global soybean trade, accounting for more than half of soybean worldwide imports. 

Soybean Transportation Cost and Export Demand

During 2019, Brazil exported 74.1 million metric tons (mmt) of soybeans, 11 percent less than 2018’s total of 

83.3 mmt (fig. 1)—a decline that also reduced transportation demand. The cost of shipping a metric ton of 

soybeans 100 miles by truck decreased 15 percent from $8.44 in 2018 to $7.19 in 2019. However, truck rates 

measured in reais (R$) varied in comparison with their estimates in U.S. dollars, reflecting the depreciation of 

the Brazilian real (R$) against the U.S. dollar. Truck rates also fluctuated because of the completion of the BR 

163 road paving project, connecting Sorriso, North Mato Grosso, to Itaituba, Pará. For example, truck rates 

from Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul to Rio Grande decreased 14 percent. Truck rates from Sorriso, North Mato 

Grosso, to the southern port of Santos and Paranaguá decreased 14-16 percent. Truck rates from North Mato 

Grosso to Rondonópolis (rail terminal) and to the northern river ports of Santarém and Itaituba/Miritituba 

(barge terminal) decreased 12-18 percent. Industry analysts expect transportation costs to reduce further, up 

to U.S. $7/metric ton (mt) (or R$30/mt) for the route from Sorriso to Itaituba. From 2018 to 2019, the Brazilian 

real depreciated nearly 7 percent against the U.S. dollar, from R$3.69 per U.S. dollar to R$3.94 per U.S. dollar. 

Ocean rates from the southern Brazilian ports to Shanghai, China, increased significantly during the second half 

of the year, averaging 9-11 percent higher than 2018 ocean freight costs. Ocean rates to Hamburg, Germany, 

varied, increasing from Santos and declining from Rio Grande and Paranaguá. Ocean rates increased because 

of higher bunker fuel prices, higher Brazilian corn exports, and a strong iron ore trade that reduced the 

availability of Panamax vessels for grain exports at the Brazilian ports.

From 2018 to 2019, Brazilian soybean transportation costs to Shanghai, China—as a percentage of total 

landed costs for the routes of North Mato Grosso to Santos and Santarém—slightly decreased in response 

to lower truck rates and farm prices. In Sorriso, North Mato Grosso—the largest Brazilian soybean-producing 

State—2019 transportation costs represented 28 percent of the total landed costs of shipping soybeans to 

Shanghai through Santos, compared with 34 percent in 2008 and 45 percent in 2006. Typically, Brazilian 

soybean exports peak in May and decline through the end of the year. Average Brazilian soybean export prices 
5

decreased nearly 12 percent, from $408 per mt to $360 per mt, from the same time in 2018. The weakening 

of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar partially offset the nearly 8 percent fall in farm gate prices, from 

$323.42/mt in 2018 to $297.97/mt in 2019 (Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)). Soybeans are 

priced in U.S. dollars but paid in reais. Farm prices measured in reais increased an average of 2.4 percent, from 

R$1,148.12/mt in 2018 to R$1,175.84 in 2019 (CONAB).

Overall, Brazil’s infrastructure is improving, narrowing the difference in shipping costs between Sorriso and 

Iowa to Shanghai. During 2019, shipping soybeans by truck for the first leg, the route from Sorriso, North 

Mato Grosso, to Shanghai cost about $22 per metric ton more than the route from the U.S. Gulf and Pacific 

Northwest (PNW) routes to Shanghai. However, the cost advantage to U.S. shippers narrowed to $10 per 

metric ton when North Mato Grosso soybeans were shipped by rail to Santos for the first leg and to $9 per 

metric ton when shipped by barge to Barcarena for the first leg. Soybean exports to China in 2019 declined 

nearly 16 percent to 58 mmt (valued at $20.5 billion) from 68.6 mmt in 2018, because of an epidemic of 

African swine fever that reduced the country’s hog herd. In 2019, China received 78 percent of Brazil’s total 

soybean exports (74 mmt). The next highest shares of Brazil’s soybean exports went (in declining order) to 

Spain, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Iran. Of all the Brazilian States, Mato Grosso exported the most soybeans 

in 2019—roughly 21 percent of the national total—followed by Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Goiás, São Paulo, 

São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Mato Grosso do Sul. Mato Grosso was also the top soybeans exporter to China.

In 2019, Santos was the largest Brazilian soybean export port, followed by Rio Grande, Paranaguá, São Luís, 

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

at the split from a 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 72 percent of Brazil’s soybean 

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

for nearly 26 percent of exports to China. The Amazon River ports of Manaus and Santarém exported nearly 2 

percent to China.

During the 2019 peak harvest season, loading delays and vessel backups were similar in Brazilian ports and the 

U.S. Gulf, averaging 3-10 days—narrowing the time spread between the regions. Seasonally, the Northern ports 

had lower loading delays and vessel backups than the Southern ports of Santos and Paranaguá. Barcarena had 

vessel loading delays of 3-4 days, which nearly offset the roughly 3-day-longer voyage distance to Shanghai, 

compared with the ports of Santos and Paranaguá. In 2019, the ocean freight spread was about $1-$2/mt for 

route from the northeastern ports of Barcarena ($34.96/mt) and São Luís ($34.81/mt) to Shanghai and the 

route from the port of Santos ($33.65) to Shanghai. Ocean freight spread is the cost difference between two 

vessel routes to the same destination.

Acknowledgments

For data, regional information, and maps of Brazil, the author would like to thank the Associação Nacional dos 

Transportadores Ferroviários (ANTF), 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), and USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Global Market Analysis (GMA). The 

author is, also, grateful for comments and critiques by Keith Menzie, Joanna Hitchner, and David Boussios 

(USDA, Office of the Chief Economist), Mark Ash (USDA, Economic Research Service), Katherine Woody (USDA, 

FAS, Agricultural Attaché, Brasilia), and Kranti Mulik (USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)). Thanks, also, 

to USDA, AMS employees Maria Williams, editor, and Jessica Ladd, graphic designer.
6

General Information

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: 211,257,586 (March 2020 estimate, Census, Instituto Brasileiro de 

Geografia e Estatística (IBGEE))

Gross Domestic Product per Capita, 2019: US$8,960 (International Monetary Fund)

Inflation, 2019: 3.91 percent (Banco Central do Brasil) 

Unemployment, 4th Quarter 2019: 11 percent (IBGE)

Area: 8,515,770 square kilometers

Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French
7

2019 Summary

Routes1 and regions considered in the 

Brazilian soybean export transportation indicator2

1 Table defining routes by number is shown on page 29.

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.
In 2019, Brazilian soybean transportation costs to Shanghai, China—as a percentage of total landed costs for the routes Santos and Santarém—slightly decreased in response to lower truck rates and farm prices than in 2018. In Sorriso, NortBrazilian soybean-producing State—2019 transportation costs represented 28 percent of the total landed costs of shippthrough Santos, compared with 34 percent in 2008 and 45 percent in 2006.

Costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Shanghai, C

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

% 

Change 

2018-19

2014 2015 2016 201

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 

—US$/

Truck 103.90 86.04 75.49 92.95 91.76 79.28 -13.6 24.56 26.37 18.38 30.7

Ocean 36.85 23.81 16.63 26.88 30.31 33.65 11.0 37.02 25.31 20.50 27.3Total transportation 140.75 109.86 92.12 119.82 122.08 112.92 -7.5 61.58 51.68 38.88 58.0Farm gate price3 388.33 295.17 331.91 293.60 306.03 285.35 -6.8 442.52 331.55 352.69 322.3Landed cost 529.08 405.02 424.03 413.43 428.11 398.28 -7.0 504.10 383.23 391.57 380.3Transport % of landed cost 27.8 27.1 21.9 29.0 28.5 28.4 -0.4 12.2 13.5 9.9 15.3 

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck and rail

—US$/mt—

South GO1 

—US$/

Truck - - - - 33.49 27.62 -17.5 62.57 39.82 34.66 44.2

Rail4 - - - - 43.29 39.98 -7.6 - - - - Ocean - - - - 30.31 33.65 11.0 36.85 23.81 16.63 26.8Total transportation - - - - 107.10 101.25 -5.5 99.42 63.63 51.28 71.0Farm gate price3 - - - - 306.03 285.35 -6.8 401.49 304.36 329.15 301.9Landed cost - - - - 413.13 386.60 -6.4 500.91 368.00 380.43 373.0Transport % of landed cost - - - - 25.9 26.2 1.0 19.8 17.2 13.6 19.1 1Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, and GO = Goiás.2Export ports.3The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).4In Brazil there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be approximately 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and the terrailroad company and shippers.Note: mt = metric ton.Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
In 2019, Brazilian soybean transportation costs from Mato Grosso, as a percentage of total landed costs, decreased 1-3 from Rio Grande do Sul to Hamburg, Germany, from a year earlier.

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

% 

Change 

2018-19

2014 2015 2016 20

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS

—US$

Truck 103.90 86.04 75.49 92.95 91.76 79.28 -13.6 24.56 26.37 23.85 30.Ocean 27.75 19.75 18.13 24.50 25.25 25.63 1.5 27.00 20.25 17.25 25.Total transportation 131.65 105.79 93.62 117.45 117.01 104.90 -10.4 51.56 46.62 41.10 56.Farm gate price3 388.33 295.17 331.91 293.60 306.03 285.35 -6.8 442.52 331.55 348.28 322Landed cost 519.98 400.96 425.53 411.05 423.05 390.25 -7.8 494.08 378.17 389.37 378Transport % of landed cost 25.3 26.3 22.1 28.6 27.6 26.9 -2.7 10.5 12.3 10.6 14

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck and rail

—US$/mt—

South GO

—US$

Truck - - - - 33.49 27.62 -17.5 62.57 39.82 34.66 44.Rail4 - - - - 43.29 39.98 -7.6 - - - - Ocean - - - - 25.25 25.63 1.5 27.75 19.75 18.13 24.Total transportation - - - - 102.03 93.23 -8.6 90.32 59.57 52.78 68.Farm gate price3 - - - - 306.03 285.35 -6.8 401.49 304.36 329.15 301Landed cost - - - - 408.07 378.58 -7.2 491.81 363.94 381.93 370Transport % of landed cost - - - - 25.0 24.6 -1.6 18.3 16.3 13.9 18

1Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, and GO = Goiás.2Export ports.3The source of the farm gate price is the Brazilian Government, Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).4In Brazil there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be approximately 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and the terms orailroad company and shippers.Note: mt = metric ton.Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

Costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Hamburg, Ger
10

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

Hamburg, Germany, decreased.

Cost of transporting soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports to 

Shanghai, China, 2017-19

2017 2018 2019

% 

Change 

2018-19

2017 2018 2019

% 

Change 

2018-19

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 55.08 58.86 52.04 -11.6 37.69 37.60 32.99 -12.3

Ocean 30.75 34.81 35.06 0.7 29.56 33.89 34.81 2.7

Total transportation 85.83 93.67 87.10 -7.0 67.25 71.48 67.80 -5.2

Farm gate price3 293.60 306.03 285.35 -6.8 343.39 333.03 297.05 -10.8

Landed cost 379.43 399.70 372.45 -6.8 410.64 404.51 364.85 -9.8

Transport % of landed cost 22.7 23.4 23.4 -0.1 16.4 17.7 18.6 5.0

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

Truck 44.44 46.52 39.34 -15.4 - - 46.64 -

Barge4 - - - - - - 18.85 -

Ocean 29.56 33.89 34.81 2.7 - - 34.96 -

Total transportation 74.00 80.41 74.15 -7.8 - - 100.45 -

Farm gate price3 283.05 306.26 295.87 -3.4 - - 285.35 -

Landed cost 357.05 386.67 370.02 -4.3 - - 385.80 -

Transport % of landed cost 21.0 20.8 20.9 0.3 - - 26.1 -

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 the volumes hauled 

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

Note: mt = metric ton. 

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

Cost of transporting soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports to 

Hamburg, Germany, 2017-19

2017 2018 2019

% 

Change 

2018-19

2017 2018 2019

% 

Change 

2018-19

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 55.08 58.86 52.04 -11.6 37.69 37.60 32.99 -12.3

Ocean 23.90 23.35 23.42 0.3 20.20 19.40 20.34 4.9

Total transportation 78.98 82.21 75.45 -8.2 57.89 57.00 53.33 -6.4

Farm gate price3 293.60 306.03 285.35 -6.8 343.39 333.03 297.05 -10.8

Landed cost 372.58 388.24 360.81 -7.1 401.28 390.02 350.38 -10.2

Transport % of landed cost 21.2 21.2 20.9 -1.1 14.4 14.6 15.2 4.0

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

Truck 44.44 46.52 39.34 -15.4 - - 46.64 -

Barge4 - - - - - - 18.85 -

Ocean 20.20 19.40 20.34 4.9 - - 21.16 -

Total transportation 64.64 65.92 59.68 -9.5 - - 86.64 -

Farm gate price3 283.05 306.26 295.87 -3.4 - - 285.35 -

Landed cost 347.68 372.18 355.55 -4.5 - - 372.00 -

Transport % of landed cost 18.9 17.7 16.8 -5.2 - - 23.3 -

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 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: mt = metric ton. 

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

In 2019, U.S. soybean transportation costs from Iowa through the U.S. Gulf to Hamburg, Germany increased 

about 1 percent in response to higher rail rates during the first half of the year. 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 8-10 percent compared to 2018, as a result of lower farm prices and higher transportation costs. 

Barge rates declined 16-27 percent, compared to 2018, responding to lower corn transportation demand. Wet 

weather and a shortage of propane gas delayed corn planting and harvest, weakening barge transportation 

demand. Propane gas is the most widely used and cost-effective fuel option for grain dryers in corn production.

Average costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to 

Hamburg, Germany, and Shanghai, China, 2015-19

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

% 

Change 

2018-19

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

% 

Change 

2018-19

To Hamburg, Germany

Minneapolis, Minnesota

—US$/mt—

Davenport, Iowa

—US$/mt—

Truck 10.23 10.36 12.71 12.14 10.10 -16.8 10.23 10.36 12.71 12.14 10.10 -16.8

Rail1 42.09 43.30 45.91 46.37 47.96 3.4 31.20 11.65 34.98 30.92 32.13 3.9

Barge2 27.49 24.32 22.62 29.97 21.99 -26.6 22.15 18.72 17.60 24.51 20.43 -16.7

Ocean3 14.32 13.83 15.46 19.85 18.15 -8.6 14.32 19.20 15.47 19.85 18.15 -8.6

Total transportation4 62.56 59.33 62.26 73.55 74.22 0.9 54.50 51.19 54.53 64.23 64.73 0.8

Farm price5 342.91 335.81 338.20 330.51 305.65 -7.5 344.69 340.89 344.53 336.05 307.27 -8.6

Landed cost6 405.47 395.14 400.46 404.06 379.86 -6.0 399.19 392.08 399.06 400.28 372.00 -7.1

Transport % of 

landed cost 15.3 15.1 15.5 18.1 19.4 7.0 13.6 13.1 13.6 16.0 17.4 8.4

To Shanghai, China

Minneapolis, Minnesota

—US$/mt—

Davenport, Iowa

—US$/mt—

Truck 14.13 10.36 12.71 12.14 10.10 -16.8 10.23 10.36 12.71 12.14 10.10 -16.8

Rail1 42.09 43.30 45.91 46.37 47.96 3.4 31.20 33.12 34.98 30.92 32.12 3.9

Barge2 27.49 24.32 22.62 29.97 21.99 -26.6 22.15 18.72 17.60 24.51 20.43 -16.7

Ocean3 30.09 26.65 38.37 44.42 44.55 0.3 30.09 26.65 38.37 44.42 44.55 0.3

Total transportation4 78.33 72.15 85.17 98.12 100.62 2.6 69.67 64.00 77.43 88.80 91.14 2.6

Farm price5 342.91 335.81 338.20 330.56 305.65 -7.5 344.69 340.89 344.53 336.05 307.27 -8.6

Landed cost6 421.24 407.96 423.37 428.68 406.27 -5.2 414.96 404.90 421.96 424.85 398.41 -6.2

Transport % of 

landed cost 18.5 17.8 20.1 22.8 24.7 8.1 16.9 15.9 18.3 20.9 22.9 9.5

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 for the U.S. farm prices: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

6

Landed cost is transportation cost plus farm price.

Note: mt = metric ton; total may not add exactly due to rounding.

Source: Compiled by the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
13

The U.S. soybean transportation costs, as a percentage of total landed costs, from North and South Dakota, via 

the Pacific Northwest (PNW) to Shanghai, China, increased 6-8 percent from a year earlier in response to lower 

soybean prices.

Average costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Shanghai, China, 2015-19

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

% 

Change

2018-19

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

% 

Change

2018-19

To Shanghai, China via PNW

Fargo, ND 

—US$/mt— 

Sioux Falls, SD

—US$/mt— 

Truck 10.23 10.36 12.71 12.14 10.10 -16.8 10.23 10.44 12.71 12.14 10.10 -16.8

Rail1 55.98 53.04 54.66 55.12 56.36 2.3 57.20 54.02 55.65 56.11 57.35 2.2

Ocean2 16.34 14.90 20.37 24.34 24.59 1.0 16.34 14.90 20.37 24.34 24.59 1.0

Total transportation 82.55 78.30 87.74 91.60 91.05 -0.6 83.77 79.31 88.74 92.59 92.04 -0.6

Farm price3 322.98 327.42 324.57 319.55 285.65 -10.6 329.87 328.98 328.98 320.38 293.98 -8.2

Landed cost4 405.52 405.72 412.31 411.14 376.70 -8.4 413.64 408.29 417.72 412.96 386.02 -6.5

Transport % of 

landed cost 20.4 19.3 21.3 22.3 24.2 8.3 20.3 19.4 21.2 22.5 23.8 6.1

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 for the U.S. ocean freight rates: O’Neil Commodity Consulting.

3

Source for the U.S. farm prices: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

4

Landed cost is transportation cost plus farm price.

Note: mt = metric ton; PNW = Pacific Northwest; SD = South Dakota; ND = North Dakota; total may not add exactly due to rounding.

Source: Compiled by the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

In 2019, the cost per metric ton (mt) to ship soybeans from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso to Shanghai, China, 

was $21.78 more than from Davenport, IA. The U.S. cost advantage narrowed from 2018, as the Brazilian 

transportation costs declined 7 percent and Iowa costs increased nearly 3 percent. Sorriso is located 1,190 

miles from the port of Santos. Davenport, IA, is about 900 miles by truck, 908 miles by rail, and 1,343 miles by 

barge, from the Port of New Orleans.

Note: MT = Mato Grosso and IA = Iowa.

Source: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service. 

2018 2019

Sorriso, North MT, through Santos $122.08 $112.92

Davenport, IA, through U.S. Gulf $88.80 $91.14

$0.00

$20.00

$40.00

$60.00

$80.00

$100.00

$120.00

$140.00

U.S.$/metric ton

+$33.28 +$21.78

MT

IA

MT

IA

Transportation cost differences between Mato Gross (MT) and Iowa (IA) 

to Shanghai, China, 2018-19
14

In 2019 the cost of shipping a metric ton of soybeans from Cruz Alta, Northwest Rio Grande do Sul, to 

Shanghai, China, was $32.15 less than from Davenport, IA. The Brazilian cost advantage widened from 2018, as 

the Brazilian transportation costs declined 2 percent and Iowa costs increased nearly 3 percent. 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, 2018-19

Note: RS = Rio Grande do Sul and IA = Iowa.

Source: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service. 

During 2019, Sorriso, North Mato Grosso, soybean shippers to Shanghai paid about $22 per metric ton 

more than U.S. exporters, through the U.S. Gulf and PNW routes, when they used trucks. However, the cost 

advantage narrowed to $10 per metric ton when North Mato Grosso soybeans were shipped by rail to Santos 

and $9 per metric ton by barge to Barcarena to Shanghai. In Brazil, there are no public/official rail and barge 

tariff rates. Rail rates can be up to 30 percent lower than truck rates, and 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 

railroad and barge companies and shippers.

Transportation cost differences between selected Brazil-United States Routes to 

Shanghai, China, 2019

Note: MT = Mato Grosso, MA = Maranhão, RS= Rio Grande do Sul, SD = South Dakota, IA = Iowa, and ND= North Dakota.

Source: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

2018 2019

Northwest RS, through Rio Grande $60.27 58.99

Davenport, IA through U.S. Gulf $88.80 91.14

$0.00

$10.00

$20.00

$30.00

$40.00

$50.00

$60.00

$70.00

$80.00

$90.00

$100.00

U.S.$/metric ton

-$28.53 -$32.15

RS

IA

RS

IA

Sorriso, North MT, through Santos via truck $112.92

Sorriso, North MT, through Santos via rail $101.25

Sorriso, North MT, through Barcarena $100.45

Sioux Falls, SD, through Pacific Northwest $92.04

Davenport, IA, through U.S. Gulf $91.14

Fargo, ND, through Pacific Northwest $91.05

Balsas, South MA, through São Luís $67.80

Cruz Alta, Northwest RS, through Rio Grande $58.99

$0.00

$20.00

$40.00

$60.00

$80.00

$100.00

$120.00

U.S.$/metric ton

ND MA MT via

truck IA RS MT via rail

MT via 

barge SD
15

In 2019, selected Brazilian export truck routes, measured in reais (R$), saw proportionally higher 

transportation costs, than those estimated in U.S. dollars, owing to the depreciation of the Brazilian Real 

(R$) against the U.S. dollar and the completion of the BR 163 road paving project, connecting Sorriso, North 

Mato Grosso to Itaituba, Pará. For example, truck rates, measured in U.S. dollar per metric ton, from Cruz 

Alta, Rio Grande do Sul to Rio Grande decreased 14 percent. Truck rates from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso to 

the southern port of Santos and Paranaguá decreased 14-16 percent. Truck rates from North Mato Grosso 

to Rondonópolis (Rail terminal) and to the northern river ports of Santarém and Itaituba/Miritituba (Barge 

terminal) decreased 12-18 percent. From 2018 to 2019, the Brazilian real depreciated nearly 7 percent against 

the U.S. dollar, from R$3.69 per U.S. dollar to R$3.94 per U.S. dollar.

Route 

# Origin1 (reference city) Destination Distance2(miles)

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 % 

change 

2018-19 Freight price, US$/metric ton3

1 Northwest RS4 (Cruz Alta) Rio Grande 288 24.56 26.37 23.85 30.72 29.20 25.06 -14.2

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 103.90 86.04 75.49 92.95 91.76 79.28 -13.6

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 100.89 85.68 74.42 89.41 90.20 75.78 -16.0

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 62.57 39.82 34.66 44.22 43.25 37.34 -13.7

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 30.98 24.07 21.31 29.29 27.22 22.64 -16.8

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 79.00 58.82 51.29 63.63 62.16 53.56 -13.8

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 --na-- 41.70 41.72 59.65 56.27 46.64 -17.1

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 --na-- 58.12 49.60 55.08 58.86 52.04 -11.6

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 --na-- 36.15 31.04 37.69 37.60 32.99 -12.3

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 --na-- 43.04 34.23 44.44 46.52 39.34 -15.4

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 --na-- 19.82 17.93 25.00 22.39 20.12 -10.2

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 --na-- 56.78 50.55 61.69 56.94 50.55 -11.2

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- 33.49 27.62 -17.5

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail teminal)5 Santos 1019 --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- 43.29 39.98 -7.6

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)6 Santarém 224 --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- 14.67 -

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)6 Barcarena 738 --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- 18.85 -

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

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

4

RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão, PA = Pará, and TO = Tocantins.

5

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.

6

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.

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

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export routes, US$/metric ton, 2014-19
16

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export routes, reais/metric ton, 2014-19

Route 

# Origin1 (reference city) Destination Distance2(miles)

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 % 

change 

Freight price, reais/metric ton3 2018-19

1 Northwest RS4 (Cruz Alta) Rio Grande 288 57.52 87.26 83.70 97.91 106.15 98.63 -7.1

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 243.68 283.84 263.26 296.36 334.43 312.20 -6.6

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 236.81 282.66 259.49 285.12 328.71 298.83 -9.1

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 146.51 130.98 121.33 140.95 157.35 146.75 -6.7

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 72.47 79.44 74.77 93.34 98.87 89.07 -9.9

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 185.01 193.85 179.27 202.86 226.32 210.83 -6.8

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 --na-- 137.56 145.97 190.01 204.53 183.26 -10.4

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 --na-- 190.47 174.02 175.70 214.29 204.53 -4.6

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 --na-- 119.23 107.94 120.16 137.16 129.69 -5.5

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 --na-- 141.03 119.74 141.67 169.77 154.46 -9.0

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 --na-- 65.77 62.95 79.64 81.19 78.95 -2.8

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 --na-- 184.72 175.24 196.74 207.55 198.95 -4.1

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- 121.48 108.61 -10.6

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail teminal)5 Santos 1019 --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- 157.64 157.62 0.0

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)6 Santarém 224 --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- 25.78 -

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)6 Barcarena 738 --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- --na-- 74.17 -

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

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

4

RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão, PA = Pará, and TO = Tocantins.

5

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.

6

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.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
17

In 2019, the Brazilian soybean export transportation cost index increased. The cost of shipping a metric ton 

(mt) of soybeans 100 miles by truck decreased from $8.44 in 2018 to $7.19 in 2019.

Brazilian soybean export truck cost index, 2017-19

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

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

Canada. In 2019, Santos was the largest Brazilian soybean export port, followed by Rio Grande, Paranaguá, São 

Luís, Barcarena, and São Francisco do Sul. These six ports accounted for 82 percent of Brazil’s total exports. 

Soybean trade is still dominated by the southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São Francisco do 

Sul, accounting for nearly 63 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports. In 2014, these ports accounted for nearly 73 

percent of Brazil soybean exports. Approximately 28 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports were shipped through 

the northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena in 2019 compared with nearly 21 percent 

in 2014. In 2019, nearly 8 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports were exported through the Amazon River ports of 

Manaus and Santarém compared with 5 percent in 2014.

Brazilian soybean exports by port, 2017-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

10.00

11.00

12.00

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

US$/metric ton/100 miles

2017

2018

2019

Average 2018: $8.44

Average 2019: $7.19 Average 2017: $8.82

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Santos

Rio Grande

Paranaguá

São Luís

Barcarena/Belém

São Francisco do Sul

Vitória

Salvador

Manaus

Santarém

Imbituba

Percentage

2019

2018

2017
18

In 2019, ocean rates from the southern Brazilian ports increased 1 percent to Hamburg and 9-13 percent to 

Shanghai in response to higher bunker fuel prices, higher Brazilian corn exports, and a strong iron ore trade 

that reduced the availability of Panamax vessels for grain exports at the Brazilian ports. During the first half of 

2019, ocean rates from the Port of Santos to Shanghai, China, were unusually low due to lower Chinese iron 

ore imports and the collapse of a mine-waste dam in southeastern Brazil that disrupted Brazilian iron supply. 

However, ocean rates increased in the second half of the year, averaging $33.65/mt.

Brazilian soybean ocean freight from Santos to Shanghai and Hamburg, 2019

Brazilian soybean ocean freight from selected ports to Shanghai, China, 2019

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

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

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

40.00

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

US$/metric ton

Santos-Shanghai

Santos-Hamburg

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

40.00

45.00

50.00

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

US$/metric ton

Santos

São Luís

Rio Grande
19

The cost to ship 1 mt of soybeans from Brazil to Hamburg, Germany, by oceangoing vessel slightly decreased, 

on average, from $25.92/mt to $25.58/mt.

Ocean rates from Brazil to Hamburg, Germany, decreased in 2019

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

In 2019, the cost to ship 1 mt of soybeans from Brazil to Shanghai, by ocean vessel, increased 11 percent on 

average, from $30.77/mt to $34.15/mt. 

Ocean rates from Brazil to Shanghai, China, increased in 2019

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

40.00

Santos Paranagua Rio Grande

US$/metric ton

Port of origin

2019

2018

3-port average 2019: $25.58

3-port average 2018: $25.92

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

 5.00

 10.00

 15.00

 20.00

 25.00

 30.00

 35.00

 40.00

Santos Paranagua Rio Grande

US$/metric ton

Port of origin

2019

2018

3-port average 2019: $34.15

3-port average 2018: $30.17
20

Farm prices measured in reais increased an average of 2.4 percent, from R$1,148.12/mt in 2018 to 

R$1,175.84/mt in 2019. Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Paraná, Piauí, and Pará farm prices increased 

1-7 percent, while Maranhão farm prices decreased 2 percent. However, when year-to-year farm prices were 

measured in U.S. dollars, the percentage decrease was greater than when measured in reais. The difference 

was partially due to a nearly 7 percent fall in value of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar.

Selected Brazilian farm prices, reais/metric ton, 2018-19

Note: RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT = Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná, PI = Piauí, PA = Pará, and MA = Maranhão.

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).

Selected Brazilian farm prices, US$/metric ton, 2018-19

Note: RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT = Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná, PI = Piauí, PA = Pará, and MA = Maranhão.

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB).

RS MT GO PR PI PA MA

2018 333.21 306.03 312.31 334.06 306.26 339.01 333.03

2019 305.56 285.35 291.46 302.61 295.87 307.90 297.05

250.00

260.00

270.00

280.00

290.00

300.00

310.00

320.00

330.00

340.00

350.00

US$/metric ton

-8% -7% -7% -9% -3% -9% -11%

RS MT GO PR PI PA MA

2018 1,178 1,074 1,116 1,181 1,088 1,208 1,193

2019 1,206 1,127 1,150 1,194 1,168 1,214 1,172

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

Reais/metric ton

+2% +5% +3% +1% +7% +1% -2%
21

From 2018 to 2019, the Brazilian real depreciated nearly 7 percent against the U.S. dollar, from R$3.69 per U.S. 

dollar to R$3.94 per U.S. dollar.

Average quarterly exchange rate, real per U.S. dollar, 2017-19

Source: Banco Central do Brasil

The 2019 Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) survey of the overall highway conditions in Brazil 

estimates that, because of the poor conditions of the paved roads, the 2019 marginal operational cost of cargo 

trucks was 28.5 percent higher than it would have been if the trucks had used only paved roads in optimal 

condition. Overall, the 2019 additional operational cargo cost (28.5 percent) was higher than 2018 (26.7 

percent). This cost declined only in the North. For example, according to CNT, if the cost of shipping a metric 

ton of soybeans from Sorriso, North MT, to Santos was $100 per metric ton (mt), the 2019 optimal cost should 

have been $71.50/mt. 

Cost increases due to poor road pavement conditions, 2017-19

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

2017 3.14 3.21 3.16 3.25

2018 3.24 3.77 3.95 3.81

2019 3.77 3.92 3.97 4.11

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

Reais per US$

Average 2017: 3.19 Average 2018: 3.69

Average 2019: 3.94

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT).

28.6

23.5

31

27.3

38.4

25.2

22.0

28.6

25.6

40

26.6

24.7

29.3

25.1

33.6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

South Southeast Center West Northeast North

Additional cost (%)

Brazil regions

2019 2018 2017

Average 2018: 26.7%

Average 2019: 28.5%

Average 2017: 27.7% 
22

Transportation Infrastructure

Brazilian Minimum Freight Rates Law Update

On January 16, 2020, Brazil’s National Land Transportation Agency’s (ANTT) published updated guidelines to 

the National Policy of Minimum Freight Rates Law for truck cargo transportation.3

1. Shippers are obligated to pay backhaul freight rates for the return of empty containers. Shippers 

must also pay backhaul freight rates for trucks in specific fleets that cannot legally carry backhaul 

cargo, such as a truck that carries fuel or gases and cannot return with another type cargo.

2. The truck driver’s daily rate (salary and expenses for lodging and food) is included in the 

calculation of the minimum rate.

3. Pressurized cargo—such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen gases utilized in the food 

industry—have been added as a new type of cargo covered by the law.

4. Two new tables were created for high efficiency loading operations that take less time to load and 

unload, thereby reducing the waiting time for trucks and drivers. 

5. The costs of items included in the table (such as tires and maintenance) are to be updated every 6 

months.

Current status: The Brazilian Supreme Court held several conciliation hearings about the constitutionality of 

the law. Conciliation hearings are suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A new date will be appointed 

in due time.

Background: On August 9, 2018, the National Policy of Minimum Freight Rates Law was enacted to end 

an 11-day nationwide strike in late May by the truck drivers who blocked highways, creating immediate 

shortages of critical products such as fuel, food, and medicines. The poultry and pork industries were hit 

especially hard (USDA, FAS, Gain Report BR1810). Shortages of fuel and animal feed affected farms and 

feedlots. Slaughterhouses idled their production lines when transportation to the ports was cut off and their 

refrigerated warehouses reached full capacity (USDA, FAS, Gain Report BR1810). Soybean exports were 

not significantly affected for the limited duration of the strike. The law allows ANTT to set minimum freight 

rates for trucking nationwide, reflecting total operating costs based on fuel costs, distances, tolls, and other 

factors (Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) and AgriCensus). The minimum freight rates include a 

charge on backhaul trips, even if the truck is empty. Truckers are forbidden to negotiate contracts below the 

ANTT minimum. The law requires freight rates to be equal to, or above, the minimum rates set by the ANTT. 

Rates are published twice a year, on January 20 and July 20.4 The minimum freight rates are adjusted every 6 

months, based on several criteria, including fuel prices, inflation, and the cost of operations for independent 

drivers. Since 2018, organizations opposing these minimum mandatory freight rates have challenged the 

constitutionality of the law before the Brazil’s Supreme Court.

3 On January 1, 2019, ANTT and the Fundação de Estudos Agrários Luiz de Queiroz (FEALQ) signed a 21-month contract to update the methodology 

and the minimum freight rate table.

4 The frequency with which freight rates will be published will change if the price of diesel fluctuates more than 10 percent from the set minimum 

price (USDA, FAS, Gain Report BR1812). If the freight rates are not published within the identified timeframe, the previous period’s freight rates—

updated by the National Consumer Price Index (IPCA)—will be valid. 
23

Investment Partnership Program (PPI): Selected Infrastructure Project Priorities that 

Facilitate Exports of Agricultural Products

On February 1, 2019, the Brazilian government announced the infrastructure priorities for President 

Bolsonaro’s Administration (ANTT and CNT): 

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

railroad integrates four States: Tocantins, Goiás, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo with access to 

the northeastern port of Itaquí-Sâo Luis, Maranhão, and the southern port of Santos with an 

extension that is 955 miles (1,537 km) long. 

Current Status: On August 8, 2019, Rumo S.A. signed the 30-year concession contract for Ferrovia 

Norte-Sul (North-South Railway) from Estrela d’Oeste to Porto Nacional. Rumo has 2 years to 

complete the 424 miles (682 km) between Anápolis and Estrela d’Oeste (95 percent completed) 

and start operations in 2021.

2. The West-East Integration (FIOL) Railroad (EF-334): Ilhéus, Bahia to Figueirópolis, Tocantins. 

Extension: 947 miles (1,537 km). 

Current Status: The Brazilian government announced that Valec Engenharia, Construções e 

Ferrovias S.A. in partnership with the Army Engineering Construction Battalion will build the 

railroad.

3. Ferrogrão Railroad (EF-170) Railroad: 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 within the corridor and alleviate traffic conditions on highway BR-163 by serving 

as an alternative route for soybean and corn exports. The estimated cost of the project is $2.5 

billion (R$14 billion).5 The concession is for 65 years. Public hearings and technical studies are 

complete. 

Current status: The Brazilian government announced that the auction for the construction and 

operation of the railroad will be held in the first semester of 2021.

4. BR-163: The distance by truck of 663 miles (1,067 km) via BR-163—from Sorriso, North Mato 

Grosso, (Brazil’s largest grain producer) to Miritituba—is completed. Currently, it takes about 2 

days to ship grain to Miritituba. There are reports of road deterioration (Portosenavios). 

Current status: The Brazilian government announced that the auction to privatize BR-163 

operations will be held in 2022. The concession is for 10 years.
24

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

intermodal system. The intention is to increase railway shipments from 21 percent to 35 percent and waterway 

shipments from 14 percent to 29 percent. Truck shipments will be reduced from 61 percent to 30 percent.

Brazil Modal share for general cargo, 2019-25

*Because of rounding, 2019 shares do not sum exactly to 100.

Source: Brazil Ministry of Transportation, National Plan of Logistic & Transportation (PNLT) and Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) 2019.

2019* 2025

Highways 61.1 30.0

Railways 20.7 35.0

Waterways 13.6 29.0

Others 5.0 6.0

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Percentage shaare

-31%

+14%

+15%

+1%
25

Transportation Indicators

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to 

Shanghai, China

 2019

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

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 73.96 88.37 72.86 79.28 71.05 72.82 87.49 71.77 75.78

Ocean 32.25 30.92 33.25 38.17 33.65 33.75 31.42 34.75 39.50 34.86

Total transportation 114.17 104.88 121.62 111.03 112.92 104.80 104.24 122.24 111.27 110.64

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35

Landed cost 389.54 376.58 408.48 418.50 398.28 380.18 375.94 409.10 418.74 395.99

Transport % of landed cost 29.3 27.8 29.8 26.5 28.4 27.6 27.7 29.9 26.6 27.9

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck and rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 26.49 30.03 24.07 27.62 26.05 24.86 26.82 22.50 25.06

Rail4 41.21 31.39 48.04 39.28 39.98 - - - - -

Ocean 32.25 30.92 33.25 38.17 33.65 31.58 30.25 34.25 39.67 33.94

Total transportation 103.36 88.80 111.32 101.53 101.25 57.63 55.11 61.07 62.17 58.99

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35 308.52 294.72 304.20 314.81 305.56

Landed cost 378.73 360.50 398.19 409.00 386.60 366.2 349.83 365.27 376.98 364.56

Transport % of landed cost 27.3 24.6 28.0 24.8 26.2 15.7 15.8 16.7 16.5 16.2

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 the 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.
26

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to 

Hamburg, Germany

 2019

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

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 73.96 88.37 72.86 79.28 71.05 72.82 87.49 71.77 75.78

Ocean 23.00 21.50 27.00 31.00 25.63 23.00 21.25 27.00 30.75 25.50

Total transportation 104.92 95.46 115.37 103.86 104.90 94.05 94.07 114.49 102.52 101.28

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35

Landed cost 380.29 367.16 402.23 411.33 390.25 369.43 365.77 401.35 409.99 386.64

Transport % of landed cost 27.6 26.0 28.7 25.2 26.9 25.5 25.7 28.5 25.0 26.2

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck and rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 26.49 30.03 24.07 27.62 26.05 24.86 26.82 22.50 25.06

Rail4 41.21 31.39 48.04 39.28 39.98 - - - - -

Ocean 23.00 21.50 27.00 31.00 25.63 23.00 21.25 27.00 31.25 25.63

Total transportation 94.11 79.38 105.07 94.36 93.23 49.05 46.11 53.82 53.75 50.68

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35 308.52 294.72 304.20 314.81 305.56

Landed cost 369.48 351.08 391.94 401.83 378.58 357.57 340.83 358.02 368.56 356.25

Transport % of landed cost 25.5 22.6 26.8 23.5 24.6 13.7 13.5 15.0 14.6 14.2

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 the 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.
27

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and 

northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

 2019

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 59.40 47.34 55.66 45.74 52.04 37.04 31.80 36.22 26.89 32.99

Ocean 32.25 30.58 38.25 39.17 35.06 31.00 30.58 38.25 39.42 34.81

Total transportation 91.65 77.92 93.91 84.91 87.10 68.04 62.38 74.47 66.31 67.80

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35 298.43 278.70 300.20 310.87 297.05

Landed cost 367.03 349.62 380.78 392.39 372.45 366.47 341.08 374.67 377.18 364.85

Transport % of landed cost 25.0 22.3 24.7 21.6 23.4 18.6 18.3 19.9 17.6 18.6

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

Truck 45.24 38.41 41.42 32.28 39.34 53.99 45.66 49.49 37.43 46.64

Barge4 - - - - - 19.66 18.30 20.63 16.79 18.85

Ocean 31.00 30.58 38.25 39.42 34.81 32.25 29.92 38.25 39.42 34.96

Total transportation 76.24 68.99 79.67 71.70 74.15 105.90 93.89 108.37 93.64 100.45

Farm gate price3 292.96 285.28 288.35 316.88 295.87 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35

Landed cost 369.20 354.27 368.03 388.58 370.02 381.28 365.59 395.24 401.11 385.80

Transport % of landed cost 20.7 19.5 21.6 21.6 20.9 27.8 25.7 27.4 23.3 26.1

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 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.
28

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and 

northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

 2019

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 59.40 47.34 55.66 45.74 52.04 37.04 31.80 36.22 26.89 32.99

Ocean 21.00 20.25 25.92 26.50 23.42 18.00 17.10 22.77 23.50 20.34

Total transportation 80.40 67.59 81.58 72.24 75.45 55.04 48.90 58.99 50.39 53.33

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35 298.43 278.70 300.20 310.87 297.05

Landed cost 355.78 339.29 368.45 379.72 360.81 353.47 327.60 359.19 361.26 350.38

Transport % of landed cost 22.6 19.9 22.1 19.0 20.9 15.6 14.9 16.4 13.9 15.2

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

Truck 45.24 38.41 41.42 32.28 39.34 53.99 45.66 49.49 37.43 46.64

Barge4 - - - - - 19.66 18.30 20.63 16.79 18.85

Ocean 18.00 17.10 22.77 23.50 20.34 19.00 17.85 23.52 24.25 21.16

Total transportation 63.24 55.51 64.19 55.78 59.68 92.65 81.82 93.64 78.47 86.64

Farm gate price3 292.96 285.28 288.35 316.88 295.87 275.38 271.70 286.87 307.47 285.35

Landed cost 356.20 340.79 352.55 372.66 355.55 368.03 353.52 380.51 385.94 372.00

Transport % of landed cost 17.8 16.3 18.2 15.0 16.8 25.2 23.1 24.6 20.3 23.3

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 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.
29

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2019

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 11.3 9.05 8.63 9.31 7.81 8.70

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.0 6.88 6.21 7.43 6.12 6.66

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 2.9 5.63 5.77 6.93 5.69 6.00

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 4.8 7.29 5.89 6.75 5.51 6.36

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 3.9 6.15 6.03 7.06 5.81 6.26

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.2 8.86 8.40 9.06 7.47 8.45

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.4 7.96 7.76 8.48 7.11 7.83

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.0 10.13 8.11 9.02 7.37 8.66

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 2.3 7.45 7.00 7.86 6.47 7.19

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 6.6 7.03 6.48 7.41 6.02 6.74

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.4 6.23 5.60 6.61 5.34 5.94

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.2 5.21 5.26 6.35 5.09 5.48

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.5 6.48 6.33 7.28 5.99 6.52

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.2 7.67 6.20 7.21 5.90 6.75

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 1.6 7.76 6.29 7.27 5.98 6.82

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 1.9 8.18 6.80 7.94 6.50 7.35

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.8 7.16 6.78 7.24 5.92 6.78

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.0 12.15 10.87 11.15 9.18 10.84

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.3 11.22 10.29 11.06 9.07 10.41

20 North Central MS 

(São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.4 6.79 5.44 6.29 5.17 5.92

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.0 8.57 6.62 7.30 5.89 7.09

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 3.3 7.04 5.71 6.84 5.56 6.29

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 0.0 6.71 5.45 6.23 5.11 5.88

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 2.9 6.04 5.66 6.66 5.54 5.97

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.5 9.40 8.31 8.47 6.91 8.27

26 Southwest PR (Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.7 11.75 10.44 11.81 7.48 10.37

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.4 8.04 6.80 7.37 5.57 6.94

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 5.7 6.29 5.98 6.26 5.19 5.93

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.1 6.78 5.40 6.35 5.22 5.94

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.1 7.69 6.60 7.52 5.58 6.85

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.6 7.47 6.34 6.84 5.33 6.49

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.5 10.05 7.58 8.08 6.66 8.09

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.6 6.43 5.36 6.68 5.54 6.00

Weighted average 587 100.0 7.75 6.94 7.75 6.30 7.19

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 7.83 6.93 7.86 6.30 7.23

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail teminal)6 Santos 1,019 4.04 3.08 4.71 3.86 3.92

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 224 9.24 7.84 5.15 3.93 6.54

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 738 2.67 2.48 2.80 2.28 2.55

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 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.
30

Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export 

transportation routes, 2017-19

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.

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

2010-19

Note: MT = Mato Grosso and RG = Rio Grande do Sul.

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Indústria, Comércio Exterior e Serviços (MDIC), 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

01/1704/1707/1710/1701/1804/1807/1810/1801/1904/1907/1910/19

US$/mt /100 miles

Western Center PR to Paranaguá

Southwest MS to Paranaguá

North MT to Paranaguá

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

140.00

2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Truck costs in US$/metric ton

Soybean exports in thousand metric tons

Northwest RS (Cruz Alta) to Rio Grande

Brazil soybean exports

North MT (Sorriso) to Santos
31

Truck rates for selected north, south, and northeastern Brazilian soybean export 

transportation routes, 2017-19

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.

Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2017-19

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

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

Oct-19

US$/mt/100 miles

North MT

(Sorriso) to

Santos

North MT

(Sorriso) to

Paranaguá

North MT

(Sorriso) to

Santarém

North MT

(Sorriso) to

Itaituba

 South MA

(Balsas) to São

Luís

$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

US$/mt/100 miles
32

Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index, 2012-19

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-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

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

*Weighted average. 

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
33

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

Shanghai, China, 2012-19 (US$/metric ton)*

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

Paranaguá 52.32 57.63 55.42 55.42 55.20

Rio Grande 47.92 52.78 49.02 49.02 49.69

Port 1st qtr 2018 2nd qtr 2018 3rd qtr 2018 4th qtr 2018 2018 Average

Santos 32.50 31.00 27.75 30.00 30.31

Paranaguá 32.00 32.00 28.75 31.00 30.94

Rio Grande 33.00 31.50 28.25 31.00 30.94

Santarém 38.50 35.50 31.25 34.00 34.81

São Luís 37.00 34.80 30.75 33.00 33.89

Barcarena 37.50 33.80 32.25 35.00 34.64

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

Paranaguá 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

Paranaguá 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 2016 2nd qtr 2016 3rd qtr 2016 4th qtr 2016 2016 Average

Santos 17.50 16.50 12.50 20.00 16.63

Paranaguá 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 2017 2017 Average

Santos 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00 26.88

Paranaguá 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

Port 1st qtr 2019 2nd qtr 2019 3rd qtr 2019 4th qtr 2019 2019 Average

Santos 32.25 30.92 33.25 38.17 33.65

Paranaguá 33.75 31.42 34.75 39.50 34.86

Rio Grande 31.58 30.25 30.58 39.67 33.94

Santarém 32.25 30.58 38.25 39.17 35.06

São Luís 31.00 30.58 38.25 39.42 34.81

Barcarena 32.25 29.92 38.25 39.42 34.96

*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.
34

Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected Brazilian ports 

to Hamburg, Germany, 2012-19 (US$/metric ton)*

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

Paranaguá 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 2017 2nd qtr 2017 3rd qtr 2017 4th qtr 201 2017 Average

Santos 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00 24.50

Paranaguá 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

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

Paranaguá 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

Paranaguá 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

Paranaguá 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 2013 2nd qtr 2013 3rd qtr 2013 4th qtr 2013 2013 Average

Santos 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.50

Paranaguá 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 2018 2nd qtr 2018 3rd qtr 2018 4th qtr 2018 2018 Average

Santos 27.00 25.00 24.00 25.00 25.25

Paranaguá 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00 26.25

Rio Grande 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00 26.25

Santarém 25.00 22.90 22.50 23.00 23.35

São Luís 21.00 19.10 18.50 19.00 19.40

Barcarena 23.00 20.90 20.20 20.00 21.03

Port 1st qtr 2019 2nd qtr 2019 3rd qtr 2019 4th qtr 2019 2019 Average

Santos 23.00 21.50 27.00 31.00 25.63

Paranaguá 23.00 21.25 27.00 30.75 25.50

Rio Grande 23.00 21.25 27.00 31.25 25.63

Santarém 21.00 20.25 25.92 26.50 23.42

São Luís 18.00 17.10 22.77 23.50 20.34

Barcarena 19.00 17.85 23.52 24.25 21.16

*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.
35

Soybean Production

Soybean production by state, 2018/19-2019/20

Region/State

Production*

2018-19

(1,000 mt)

Production**

2019-20

(1,000 mt)

% Change

2019-20

NORTH

Roraima (RR) 108.0 149.2 38.1

Rondônia (RO) 1,109.2 1,172.4 5.7

Acre (AC) 4.4 11.8 168.2 

Amazonas (AM) 5.3 5.3 - 

Amapá (AP) 57.5 59.3 3.1

Pará (PA) 1,708.9 1,861.1 8.9

Tocantins (TO) 2,931.5 3,403.1 16.1

Total 5,924.8 6,662.2 12.4

NORTHEAST

Maranhão (MA) 2,917.7 3,095.2 6.1

Piauí (PI) 2,322.1 2,374.6 2.3

Alagoas (AL) 4.5 3.4 -24.4

Bahia (BA) 5,309.1 6,026.0 13.5

Total 10,553.4 11,499.2 9.0

CENTER-WEST

Mato Grosso (MT) 32,454.5 35,434.5 9.2

Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) 8,504.0 10,708.2 25.9

Goiás (GO) 11,437.40 12,464.60 9.0

Distrito Federal (DF) 241.6 290.6 20.3

Total 52,637.5 58,897.9 11.9

SOUTHEAST

Minas Gerais (MG) 5,074.3 5,986.3 18.0

São Paulo (SP) 3,017.5 3,958.7 31.2

Total 8,091.8 9,945.0 22.9

SOUTH

Paraná (PR) 16,252.7 20,772.7 27.8

Santa Catarina (SC) 2,382.6 2,252.8 -5.4

Rio Grande do Sul (RS) 19,187.1 10,853.4 -43.4

Total 37,822.4 33,878.9 -10.4

 TOTAL PRODUCTION 115,029.9 120,883.2 5.1

*Data based on calendar year, January-December

**Forecast, July 2020

Source: Companhia Nacional de abastecimento (CONAB).
36

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

 2007/08 21,300 6,625 61,000 83 67,708 24,515 31,895 34,365 8,828

 2008/09 21,700 8,828 57,800 124 66,752 28,041 30,779 33,129 5,582

 2009/10 23,500 5,582 69,000 150 74,732 29,188 35,700 38,100 7,444

 2010/11 24,200 7,444 75,300 40 82,784 33,789 37,264 39,714 9,281

 2011/12 25,000 9,281 66,500 298 76,079 31,905 36,230 38,730 5,444

 2012/13 27,700 5,444 82,000 240 87,684 42,826 36,432 38,982 5,876

 2013/14 30,100 5,876 86,700 579 93,155 45,747 38,195 40,795 6,613

 2014/15 32,100 6,613 97,200 329 104,142 54,635 40,339 42,989 6,518

 2015/16 33,300 6,518 96,500 362 103,380 52,100 39,967 42,617 8,663

 2016/17 33,900 8,663 114,600 267 123,530 68,807 42,161 44,811 9,912

 2017/18 35,150 9,912 122,000 185 132,097 83,729 43,389 45,716 2,652

 2018/19 35,900 2,652 119,000 145 121,797 73,445 43,510 45,710 2,642

2019/20 36,900 2,642 126,000 245 128,887 79,500 44,000 46,637 2,750

2020/21** 38,300 2,750 131,000 150 133,900 83,000 45,000 47,650 3,250

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

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

**Forecast, July 10, 2020

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade Data/Reports/Oilseeds
37

Top 15 Brazilian 

soybean exporting states, 2017-19

State

2017 2018 2019

Rank

metric ton

Mato Grosso (MT) 18,017,456 19,954,041 20,228,381 1 

Rio Grande do Sul (RS) 12,349,282 13,271,420 11,618,880 2 

Paraná (PR) 10,924,399 12,983,316 9,620,076 3 

Goiás (GO) 4,805,409 6,205,890 4,696,288 4 

São Paulo (SP) 3,408,327 4,290,303 3,765,147 5 

Minas Gerais (MG) 2,626,070 4,433,678 3,284,743 6 

Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) 3,642,153 5,198,305 3,278,575 7 

Bahia (BA) 3,096,844 4,011,811 3,252,826 8 

Maranhão (MA) 1,887,820 2,497,486 2,306,346 9 

Tocantins (TO) 2,014,962 2,528,345 2,213,791 10 

Santa Catarina (SC) 1,844,618 2,334,653 1,860,502 11 

Pará (PA) 1,172,575 1,423,392 1,508,828 13 

Piauí (PI) 821,018 1,526,710 1,176,435 12 

Rondônia (RO) 878,079 1,048,164 1,115,058 14 

Distrito Federal (DF) 263,976 317,357 150,112 15 

Others 394,716 1,221,942 3,987,647

Total 68,147,705 83,246,813 74,063,633

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

Exports
38

Top five Brazilian soybean exporting states, 2017-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

Brazil average monthly soybean exports, 2016-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

20,000

22,000

2017 2018 2019

Thousand metric ton

Mato Grosso

Rio Grande do Sul

Paraná

Goiás

São Paulo

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

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

2016-2018 1.3 4.2 13.3 15.7 16.7 13.7 11.2 8.6 4.8 3.9 3.2 3.2

2019 2.7 7.1 11.4 12.7 13.5 11.5 10.0 6.8 6.2 6.9 6.7 4.4 Percentage

2016-2018 2019
39

Main export routes for soybeans

1

World Wildlife Fund.

2

Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics—Produção Agricola Municipal.

Source: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
40

World export routes for Brazilian soybeans

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

Top five Brazilian soybean-export destinations, 2017-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

China Spain Netherlands Thailand Iran

Thousand metric ton

2017 2018 2019
41

In 2019, 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 2020.

Top five world soybean-exporting countries, 2018/19-2020/21*

*Forecast July 10, 2020.

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 90,000 100,000

 Brazil

 United States

 Argentina

 Paraguay

 Canada

 Other

(1,000 metric tons)

2018/19 2019/20 2020/21*
42

Exports to China

Soybean exports to China in 2019 declined nearly 16 percent to 58 mmt (valued at $20.5 billion) from 68.6 

mmt in 2018, because of an epidemic of African swine fever that reduced the country’s hog herd. In 2019, 

China received 78 percent of Brazil’s total soybean exports (74 mmt). Over 90 percent of Brazilian soybean 

exports to China in 2019 originated from Mato Grosso, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, 

Bahia, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, and Maranhão.

Brazil average monthly soybean exports to China, 2016-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

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

2016-2018 0.6 2.5 10.5 12.0 12.8 11.5 9.1 6.2 4.0 2.6 1.6 1.6

2019 3.3 7.6 10.1 11.1 12.0 11.6 10.3 6.7 6.4 7.8 8.0 5.0 Thousand metric ton

2016-2018 2019
43

Soybean exports to China in 2019 declined nearly 16 percent to 58 mmt (valued at $20.5 billion) from 68.6 

mmt in 2018, because of an epidemic of African swine fever that reduced the country’s hog herd. Mato Grosso 

was 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, 2017-19

State

2017 2018 2019

Rank

metric ton

Mato Grosso 11,777,815 12,743,316 12,487,191 1

Rio Grande do Sul 11,683,177 12,900,417 11,177,365 2

Paraná 9,677,753 12,252,933 8,553,610 3

Goiás 4,144,828 5,387,269 3,910,109 4

São Paulo 2,926,939 3,793,637 3,282,430 5

Bahia 2,472,074 3,817,777 2,698,728 6

Minas Gerais 2,337,977 3,271,399 2,568,900 7

Mato Grosso do Sul 2,971,048 4,315,265 2,490,965 8

Maranhão 1,307,617 2,067,352 1,746,621 9

Tocantins 1,450,727 2,040,447 1,691,598 10

Santa Catarina 1,472,302 2,226,527 1,636,180 11

Piauí 580,826 1,411,692 995,313 13

Pará 567,784 806,366 777,540 12

Distrito Federal 209,552 296,401 130,524 14

Rondônia 140,063 141,332 121,827 15

Others 76,502 1,084,496 3,694,577

Brazil exports to China 53,796,980 68,556,624 57,963,479 78.3

Brazil total exports 68,147,705 83,246,813 74,063,633

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.
44

Top 15 Mato Grosso soybean exports destinations, 2017-19

State

2017 2018 2019

% share Rank

metric ton

China 11,777,815 12,743,316 12,487,191 61.7 1

Spain 1,177,825 1,208,445 1,146,825 5.7 2

Netherlands 838,675 840,285 1,010,715 5.0 3

Turkey 189,895 884,021 875,285 4.3 4

Iran 490,405 503,935 747,222 3.7 5

Russia 610,694 161,164 595,929 2.9 6

Thailand 803,644 495,137 551,291 2.7 7

Mexico 132,914 272,165 497,229 2.5 8

Norway 240,625 270,688 346,394 1.7 9

Taiwan 237,731 184,008 255,734 1.3 10

Pakistan 136,075 187,837 224,425 1.1 11

Saudi Arabia 113,046 144,832 209,890 1.0 12

Italy 130,625 150,244 185,594 0.9 13

Tunisia 9,138 139,760 173,451 0.9 14

Portugal 101,394 227,797 160,391 0.8 15

Others 1,026,956 1,540,408 760,814 3.8

Mato Grosso total 18,017,456 19,954,041 20,228,381 100.0

2017 2018 2019

MT % share of Brazil exports to China 21.9 18.6 21.5

Brazil exports to China 53,796,980 68,556,624 57,963,479

Brazil total exports 68,147,705 83,246,813 74,063,633

China % share of Brazil total exports 78.9 75.2 78.3

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia. 
45

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

Francisco do Sul, which account for about 72 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports to China. Meanwhile, the 

northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for nearly 26 percent of exports to 

China. The Amazon River ports of Manaus and Santarém exported nearly 2 percent to China.

Total Brazilian soybean exports by port to China, 2017-19

Ports

2017 2018 2019

metric ton

Santos 14,183,986 17,601,053 14,433,778

Rio Grande 11,901,538 13,391,122 12,764,079

Paranaguá 10,026,648 14,056,377 10,542,591

São Luís 4,246,740 6,982,873 6,271,719

São Francisco do Sul 3,984,947 5,252,417 3,852,101

Subtotal 44,343,859 57,283,842 47,864,269

Others 9,453,121 11,272,781 10,099,211

Total exports to China 53,796,980 68,556,624 57,963,479

Brazil total exports 68,147,705 83,246,813 74,063,633

Ports

2017 2018 2019

% share of exports to China

Santos 26.4 25.7 24.9 

Rio Grande 22.1 19.5 22.0 

Paranaguá 18.6 20.5 18.2 

São Luís 7.9 10.2 10.8 

São Francisco do Sul 7.4 7.7 6.6 

Subtotal 82.4 83.6 82.6 

Others 17.6 16.4 17.4 

Total exports to China 100 100 100 

Ports

2017 2018 2019

% share of Brazil total exports

Santos 20.8 21.1 19.5 

Rio Grande 17.5 16.1 17.2 

Paranaguá 14.7 16.9 14.2 

São Luís 6.2 8.4 8.5 

São Francisco do Sul 5.8 6.3 5.2 

Subtotal 65.1 68.8 64.6 

Others 13.9 13.5 13.6 

Total exports to China 78.9 82.4 78.3 

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.
46

Brazil soybean exports to China by port, 2018-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Santos

Rio Grande

Paranaguá

São Luís

São Francisco do Sul

Vitória

Barcarena

Salvador

Santarém

Imbituba

Manaus

Percentage

2019

2018
47

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Hamburg, Germany 4,510 13.6

*Vessel speed: 14 knots.

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

Source: http://sea-distances.com/ and 1Ports.com.
48

In 2019, China was the major destination for Brazilian soybeans through the port of Santos, Brazil’s largest 

soybean-exporting port. The next-largest destinations (in descending order) were Thailand, Pakistan, Iran, and 

Taiwan. The peak of soybean shipments to China from Santos usually occurs from March to May. About half 

of the soybean exports, through Santos, originated from Mato Grosso, followed (in descending order) by São 

Paulo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Paraná.

Port of Santos soybean exports by country, 2018-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

Port of Santos soybean average monthly exports to China, 2016-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

China

Thailand

Pakistan

Iran

Taiwan

Percentage

2019

2018

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

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

2016-18 3.4 12.8 19.8 18.4 17.7 12.7 8.1 1.4 1.5 0.8 2.5 1.0

2019 1.0 16.4 18.9 16.2 16.1 13.1 7.8 1.7 1.6 1.9 3.5 1.9

Percentage
49

China was the major destination for Brazilian soybeans via the port of Rio Grande, accounting for nearly 97 

percent, followed by Iran, Russia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Turks and Caicos. Typically, soybean shipments to 

China through the port of Rio Grande peak from April to August. However, in 2019, significant shipments 

occurred throughout the end of the year. About 86 percent of the soybean exports through the Port of Rio 

Grande originated from Rio Grande do Sul. The next-highest levels of exports originated (in descending order) 

from the following ports: Paraná, Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso.

Port of Rio Grande soybean average monthly exports to China, 2016-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

China was the top Brazilian soybean export destination through the Port of Paranaguá. The next-largest 

export destinations (in descending order) were the Netherlands, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. Typically, 

soybean shipments to China from Paranaguá peak from March to June. Sixty percent of Paranaguá exports 

originated from Paraná. The next-highest levels of Paranaguá exports (in descending order) originated from 

Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo.

Port of Paranaguá soybean average monthly exports to China, 2016-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

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

2016-18 2.4 2.3 5.4 11.0 15.5 12.1 12.1 12.0 8.1 6.6 6.1 6.3

2019 2.0 0.0 0.5 10.0 12.0 9.6 13.3 9.7 9.8 15.0 10.5 7.5

Percentage

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

2016-18 2.3 6.2 14.3 14.4 11.9 11.9 10.1 7.6 5.9 5.6 5.4 4.4

2019 7.0 6.3 11.0 8.2 7.5 9.5 9.7 8.3 5.2 9.3 11.0 7.0

Percentage
50

China was top Brazilian soybean export destination through the Port of São Luís. The next-largest export 

destinations (in descending order) were Spain, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia. Typically, soybean 

shipments to China from the Port of São Luís peak from March to June, but in 2019, the peak occurred in 

January. São Luís is Brazil’s top soybean-exporting port in the northeast, accounting for nearly 11 percent of 

Brazilian total soybean exports and exports to China. The next-highest levels of exports (in descending order) 

in the northeast were from the following ports: Vitória, Barcarena, Salvador, Santarém, and Manaus. These 4 

ports accounted for nearly 26 percent of the total exports to China. About 89 percent of exports of the port of 

São Luís originated from Maranhão, Tocantins, Mato Grosso, and Piauí.

Port of São Luís average monthly soybean exports to China, 2016-19

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

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

2016-2018 5.3 10.1 17.5 16.3 11.6 10.5 11.3 6.0 3.0 4.7 2.8 0.8

2019 15.4 12.3 12.1 10.6 9.0 8.4 8.4 8.3 4.3 4.0 3.6 3.7

Percentage
51

Transportation Modes

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.
52

Major rivers of the Amazonian Basin

 Source: National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ).

Brazil has 39,146 miles of river-lake surface water and 27,340 miles of navigable rivers, but only 12,094 miles 

are commercially navigated.

Brazil waterway system

Extension Miles

River-lake surface water 39,146 

National river network 27,340 

Naturally navigable waterways 25,970 (100%) 

Commercial navigations 12,094 (47%) 

Sources: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT 2019) and National Agency for Waterway Transporation (ANTAQ 2016).
53

Brazilian port installations

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: Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquaviários (ANTAQ).
54

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
55

Brazilian commercial inland waterways

 Source: Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquavárious.
56

Major river export routes

Source: National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ).
57

Major Brazilian highways

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte.
58

The Brazilian highway system extends 968,863 miles (1,562,682 kilometers), with nearly 14 percent paved. The 

U.S. highway system consists of 4,160,800 miles (6,696,142 kilometers), with 68 percent paved.

Brazil highway system, 2019

Miles % Paved % Unpaved

Federal 46,961 86 14 

State and county 921,902 10 90 

Total (federal + state and county) 968,863 

All roads 14 86 

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT).

U.S. highway system, 2018

Extension1 (in miles) % Paved2 % Unpaved2

Rural 2,844,126 58 42 

Urban 1,316,675 96 4 

Total 4,160,800 68 32 

1

Includes the 50 States, Puerto Rico (data may be incomplete), 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.

2

Paved includes the following categories: Bituminous (bituminous asphalt-concrete (AC) overlaid on existing AC pavement); Concrete (jointed 

plain concrete pavement (JPCP), jointed reinforced concrete pavement (JRCP), continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP); unbonded 

jointed concrete overlaid on PCC pavement, bonded PCC overlaid on PCC pavement, other (includes “whitetopping”)); and Composite (AC 

overlaid on jointed concrete pavement, AC (bituminous overlaid on existing CRCP).

Source: Highway Statistics 2018. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Statistics (Washington, DC: 

Annual Issues).
59

Brazilian highways

The 2019 Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) survey of the overall highway conditions in Brazil shows 

that 41 percent of the roads ranged from good to excellent in 2019 (compared to 43 percent in 2018). Still, 59 

percent ranged from acceptable to very bad. The survey also shows that 49 percent of the paved roads were 

in good to excellent condition; 48.1 percent of traffic road signs had problems; and 85.4 percent of the paved 

roads had only two lanes. The survey sample of paved roads increased 1.6 percent, from 66,440 miles in 2018 

to 67,495 miles in 2019.

Brazilian highway conditions, 2017-19

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT).

Brazilian paved highway conditions, 2017-19

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT).

8.9 11.6 11.9

29.3

31.4 29.1

33.6

35.2 34.6

20.1

15.3 17.5

8.1 6.5 6.9

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2017 2018 2019

Very Bad

Bad

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

38.2 % 43% 41%

57% 61.8% 59%

40.3 42.3 38.6

9.7 6.8 9.0

34.0 37.0 35.5

13.2 9.5 13.7

2.8 4.4 3.7

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2017 2018 2019

Very Bad

Bad

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

52.4%

47.6%

51%

49%

50%

50%
60

Brazilian road sign conditions, 2017-19

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT).

9.8 15.2 14.0

31.0

40.1 37.9

32.0

24.5 26.1

14.1

10.0 11.6

13.2 10.2 10.4

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2016 2017 2018

Very Bad

Bad

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

55.3%

48.1%

51.9%

59.2%

40.8%

44.7%
61

Brazilian railway expansion: ongoing projects

The Brazilian railroad system consists of 12 railroads, with an extension of 18,943 miles, mostly concentrated in 

the South, Southeast, and Northeast. 

Source: Agência Nacional de Transportes Terrestres (ANTT).
62

Brazilian rail system: gauge sizes

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

in regions like North America, which uses a standard gauge. There are three types of gauges: metric (39”), 

broad (63”), and mixed (39”- 63”). The metric gauge accounts for 76 percent of total Brazilian rail miles and 

predominates in the Southern region. The broad gauge accounts for 22 percent of total railroads and prevails 

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

Source: Grupo de Pesquisa e Extensão em Logística Agroindustrial (ESALQ-LOG)/University of São Paulo, Brazil, based on data from the Agência 

Nacional de Transportes Terrestres (ANTT) 2018.
63

Reference Material

Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Hamburg, Germany, via U.S. Gulf, 2019

Minneapolis, Minnesota (US$/mt)

2019

1st qtr

2019

2nd qtr

2019

3rd qtr

2019

4th qtr

2019

Average

Truck 8.78 10.98 9.18 11.46 10.10

Rail1 47.98 47.93 - - 47.96

Barge2 16.98 13.06 31.39 26.54 21.99

Ocean3 16.73 16.62 20.21 19.02 18.15

Total transportation 90.47 88.59 60.78 57.02 74.22

Farm price4 310.24 298.97 303.87 309.50 305.65

Landed cost5 400.71 387.56 364.65 366.52 379.86

Transport % of landed cost 22.6 22.9 16.7 15.6 19.4

Davenport, Iowa (US$/mt)

2019

1st qtr

2019

2nd qtr

2019

3rd qtr

2019

4th qtr

2019

Average

Truck 8.78 10.98 9.18 11.46 10.10

Rail1 32.13 32.11 - - 32.13

Barge2 16.98 13.06 28.74 22.93 20.43

Ocean3 16.73 16.62 20.21 19.02 18.15

Total transportation 74.62 72.77 58.13 53.41 64.73

Farm price4 311.59 299.09 303.75 314.65 307.27

Landed cost5 386.21 371.86 361.88 368.06 372.00

Transport % of landed cost 19.3 19.6 16.1 14.5 17.4

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.

3

Source for the U.S. ocean freight rates: O’Neil Commodity Consulting. 

4

Source for the U.S. farm prices: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

5

Landed cost is transportation cost plus farm price.

Note: qtr. = quarter; yr. = year; mt = metric ton; total may not add exactly due to rounding.

Source: Compiled by the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
64

Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Shanghai, China, via U.S. Gulf, 2019

Minneapolis, Minnesota (US$/mt)

2019

1st qtr

2019

2nd qtr

2019

3rd qtr

2019

4th qtr

2019

Average

Truck 8.78 10.98 9.18 11.46 10.10

Rail1 47.98 47.93 - - 47.96

Barge2 16.98 13.06 31.39 26.54 21.99

Ocean3 39.61 42.20 49.35 47.05 44.55

Total transportation 113.35 114.17 89.92 85.05 100.62

Farm price4 310.24 298.97 303.87 309.50 305.65

Landed cost5 423.59 413.14 393.79 394.55 406.27

Transport % of landed cost 26.8 27.6 22.8 21.6 24.7

Davenport, Iowa (US$/mt)

2019

1st qtr

2019

2nd qtr

2019

3rd qtr

2019

4th qtr

2019

Average

Truck 8.78 10.98 9.18 11.46 10.10

Rail1 32.12 32.11 - - 32.12

Barge2 16.98 13.06 28.74 22.93 20.43

Ocean3 39.61 42.20 49.35 47.05 44.55

Total transportation 97.49 98.35 87.27 81.44 91.14

Farm price4 311.59 299.09 303.75 314.65 307.27

Landed cost5 409.08 397.44 391.02 396.09 398.41

Transport % of landed cost 23.8 24.7 22.3 20.6 22.9

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.

3

Source for the U.S. ocean freight rates: O’Neil Commodity Consulting. 

4

Source for the U.S. farm prices: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

5

Landed cost is transportation cost plus farm price.

Note: qtr. = quarter; yr. = year; mt = metric ton; total may not add exactly due to rounding.

Source: Compiled by the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
65

Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Shanghai, China, via PNW, 2019

Fargo, North Dakota (US$/mt)

2019

1st qtr

2019

2nd qtr

2019

3rd qtr

2019

4th qtr

2019

Average

Truck 8.78 10.98 9.18 11.46 10.10

Rail1 56.11 56.11 56.11 57.10 56.36

Ocean2 22.44 22.93 27.28 25.71 24.59

Total transportation 87.33 90.02 92.57 94.27 91.05

Farm price3 290.28 277.90 281.33 293.09 285.65

Landed cost4 377.61 367.92 373.90 387.36 376.70

Transport % of landed cost 23.1 24.5 24.8 24.3 24.2

Sioux Falls, South Dakota (US$/mt)

2019

1st qtr

2019

2nd qtr

2019

3rd qtr

2019

4th qtr

2019

Average

Truck 8.78 10.98 9.18 11.46 10.10

Rail1 57.10 57.10 57.10 58.09 57.35

Ocean2 22.44 22.93 27.28 25.71 24.59

Total transportation 88.32 91.01 93.56 95.26 92.04

Farm price3 296.64 284.15 288.44 306.69 293.98

Landed cost4 384.96 375.16 382.00 401.95 386.02

Transport % of landed cost 22.9 24.3 24.5 23.7 23.8

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 for the U.S. ocean freight rates: O’Neil Commodity Consulting. 

3

Source for the U.S. farm prices: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

4

Landed cost is transportation cost plus farm price.

Note: qtr. = quarter; yr. = year; mt = metric ton; total may not add exactly due to rounding.

Source: Compiled by the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
66

Average quarterly exchange rate, 2013-19

Quarter Real per US$

1st 1.9977

2nd 2.0673

3rd 2.2880

4th 2.2735

2013 Average 2.1566

1st 2.2735

2nd 2.2296

3rd 2.2745

4th 2.5437

2014 Average 2.3303

1st 2.8637

2nd 3.0722

3rd 3.5480

4th 3.8426

2015 Average 3.3316

1st 3.8999

2nd 3.5076

3rd 3.2912

4th 3.2953

2016 Average 3.4985

1st 3.1429

2nd 3.2137

3rd 3.1639

4th 3.2506

2017 Average 3.1928

1st 3.2425

2nd 3.7732

3rd 3.9505

4th 3.8084

2018 Average 3.6936

1st 3.7684

2nd 3.9221

3rd 3.9736

4th 4.1144

2019 Average 3.9446

Source:Banco Central do Brasil
67

Selected quarterly Brazilian farm prices, 2016-19

(US$/metric ton)

Quarter Rio Grande 

do Sul

Mato 

Grosso Goiás Paraná Piauí Pará Maranhão

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

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

do Sul

Mato 

Grosso Goiás Paraná Piauí Pará Maranhão

2017 Avg 322.30 293.60 301.99 321.54 283.05 334.99 343.39

1st 334.43 305.85 318.87 338.61 321.69 344.84 357.97

2nd 343.90 323.46 313.65 347.41 320.70 343.23 342.78

3rd 326.13 301.39 302.33 330.85 290.62 323.15 305.07

4th 328.39 293.43 314.40 319.39 292.04 344.82 326.30

2018 Avg 333.21 306.03 312.31 334.06 306.26 339.01 333.03

1st 308.52 275.38 296.01 304.16 292.96 317.97 298.43

2nd 294.72 271.70 281.40 292.33 285.28 294.15 278.70

3rd 304.20 286.87 286.67 300.23 288.35 303.50 300.20

4th 314.81 307.47 301.77 313.72 316.88 316.00 310.87

2019 Avg 305.56 285.35 291.46 302.61 295.87 307.90 297.05

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br
68

Photo Credits

Photo credits: 

1) USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and 

USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). 

2) USDA

3) ESALQ-log

4) The Assesoria de Comunicação dos Portos de 

Paranaguá e Antonina (ASSCOM-APPA)

5) ESALQ-log