Soybean Transportation Guide: 

BRAZIL 2018

Agricultural

Marketing 

Service

July 2019
2

United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Agricultural Marketing Service

Transportation and Marketing Program

July 2019

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 2018. July 2019. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural 

Marketing Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS048.07-2019>

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

Contents

Soybean Transportation Guide: Brazil 2018.

General Information.

2018 Summary.

Transportation Infrastructure. 

Transportation Indicators. 

Soybean Production. 

Exports. 

Exports to China. 

Transportation Modes. 

Reference Material. 

Photo Credits. 
4

Soybean Transportation Guide: Brazil 2018

Executive Summary

The Soybean Transportation Guide is a visual snapshot of Brazilian soybean transportation in 2018. 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 its transportation infrastructure, both production and transportation cost, 

increases in planted area, and productivity. Brazilian and U.S. producers use the same advanced production 

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

worldwide rests upon 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, 

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

exporter through 2029. While the United States is the world’s leading producer in terms of volume, its export 

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

demand. It 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. 

Brazil’s Economy and BR-163 Pavement Status

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

emerged from the 2015-2016 recession with an estimated economic growth rate of 1.3 percent, 11.6 percent 

unemployment (December 2018), and 6.18 percent inflation. Recovery is expected to gradually continue in 

2019, with economic growth of 2.5 percent for 2019 and 2.2 percent in 2020. 

BR-163: The distance by truck from Sorriso, North MT, (Brazil’s largest grain producer) to Miritituba is 663 miles 

(1,067 km), via BR-163. Currently, it takes 3 days to ship grain to Miritituba because of the poor condition of 

the last unpaved miles of BR-163, connecting Sorriso to Miritituba. 

Current status: The Army Engineer Construction Batallion (BEC) will complete paving of the last 32 miles (51 

kilometers) of BR-163, connecting Sorriso to Miritituba, by the end of 2019. The estimated cost: $672,575 

(R$ 2.5 billion). While the construction on BR-163 continues, the Brazilian government will conduct daily 

inspections and maintenance of unpaved trouble spots on BR-163, within the state of Pará (Operation Radar 

II). In this way, the new Bolsonaro Administration reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the flow of grain 

exports from Mato Grosso (MT) to the Amazon ports.

According to industry analysts, transportation costs will be reduced by about US$10/metric ton (mt) (R$30/mt) 

when BR-163 is finished.

 
5

Soybean Transportation Cost and Export Demand

Truck rates measured in reais (R$) saw proportionately higher transportation costs in 2018 compared with 

2017 than those estimated in U.S. dollars, due to the depreciation of the Brazilian Real (R$) against the U.S. 

dollar. For example, truck rates from Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to Rio Grande increased 8 percent. Truck 

rates from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso (MT) to Santos and Paranaguá increased 12-15 percent. However, the 

cost (in U.S. dollars) of shipping a metric ton (mt) of soybeans per 100 miles, by truck, decreased from $8.82, 

in 2017, to $8.44, in 2018. This decrease was due to the depreciation of the Brazilian Real (R$) by nearly 

16 percent against the U.S. dollar; from R$3.19 per U.S. dollar, in 2017, to R$3.69, in 2018. Higher Chinese 

demand for Brazilian soybeans, along with the weaker currency and higher farm gate prices softened the 

impact of the new minimum rates set by the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) on August 6, 2018, for 

trucking freight in Brazil. The law 13.703/18 allows the ANTT to set minimum rates for trucking freight across 

the country, reflecting total transportation operating costs across the country based on fuel costs, distances, 

tolls, and other factors.

In 2018, Brazilian soybean transportation costs in U.S. dollars to Shanghai, China, as a percentage of total 

landed costs from the routes of North Mato Grosso (MT) and South Goiás (GO) to Santos, decreased 0.4-

1.8 percent due to lower truck rates and higher farm prices, compared with 2017. In Sorriso, North MT, 

transportation costs represented nearly 29 percent of the total landed costs of shipping soybeans to Shanghai 

through Santos, compared with 34 percent in 2008, and 45 percent in 2006. Ocean rates from the southern 

Brazilian ports increased 3 percent to Hamburg and 9-14 percent to China because of higher grain exports and 

strong iron ore trade. The increased Chinese demand for Brazilian soybeans is mostly due to U.S.-China trade 

tensions, and the implementation of a 25 percent duty on U.S. soybeans that started on July 6, 2018.

Brazilian farmers also benefit from the fall in value of the Brazilian Real (R$), against the U.S. dollar, since 

soybeans are priced in U.S. dollars but paid in Reais. Soybean farm gate prices—measured in U.S. dollars—

increased 3 percent, to $323.42/mt from $314.41/mt in 2017. Average farm gate prices in 2018—in Brazilian 

Reais (R$)—increased 14 percent, to R$1,148.12 from R$1,003.62/mt.

In 2018, the volume of soybean exports increased to 83.6 million metric tons (mmt), 23 percent more than 

last year’s total of 68.2 mmt. China is Brazil’s major soybean buyer, accounting for 82 percent of total exports 

(83.6 mmt), followed by Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, and Iran. Exports to China increased 28 percent, from 53.8 

mmt to 68.8 mmt (valued at US$27.3 billion), in 2018. Mato Grosso, Brazil’s largest soybean exporting state, 

accounted for about 24 percent of total Brazilian soybean exports, followed by Paraná, Rio Grande Do Sul, 

Goiás, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo. Mato Grosso was also the top soybean exporter to 

China. 

Average Brazilian soybean export prices increased 7 percent, from $381 per mt to $408 per mt, from the 

same time last year. In 2018, Santos was the largest Brazilian soybean export port, followed by Paranaguá, 

Rio Grande, São Luís, São Francisco do Sul, and Barcarena. These six ports accounted for nearly 82 percent 

of Brazil’s total exports. Looking at the split from a different north/south perspective, the southern ports of 

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

for about 73 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports to China. While the northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, 

Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for nearly 22 percent of exports to China. The Amazon River ports of 

Manaus and Santarém exported less than one percent to China

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

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

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

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

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

Acknowledgments

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

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

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

ASSCOM-APPA, Maria Anulacion, and Bill George (USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)) for providing data, 

regional information, and maps of Brazil. Comments and critiques by Keith Menzie, Joanna Hitchner, and David 

Stallings (USDA, Office of the Chief Economist), Mark Ash (USDA, Economic Research Service), Evgenia Ustinova 

(USDA, FAS, Agricultural Attaché, Brasilia), and Jack Novak (USDA, AMS Intern) are greatly appreciated. The 

author would also like to thank USDA, AMS employees Cindy Ragin, editor, and Jessica Ladd, graphic designer.
7

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: 209,665, 007 (March 2019 est., Census, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e 

Estatística (IBGE)

Gross Domestic Product per Capita, 2018: US$ 8,959.02

Inflation, 2018: 6.18 percent (Banco Central do Brasil)

Unemployment, 4th Quarter 2018: 11.6 percent (IBGE)

Area: 8,514,877 sq km

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

2018 Summary

Routes1 and regions considered in the Brazilian soybean export transportation indicators2

1 Table defining routes by number is shown on page 34

2 Regions comprised about 80 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2016

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

Suriname
9

In 2018, Brazilian soybean transportation costs to Shanghai, China—as a percentage of total landed costs from the routes of North Mato Grosso (MT) and South Goiás (GO) to Santos— decreased 0.4-1.8 percent lower truck rates offset higher farm prices, compared to 2017. In Sorriso, North MT (the largest Brazilian soybean-producing state), transportation costs represented nearly 29 percent of the total landed costs of shipping soybeans to Shanghai through Santos, compared to 34 percent in 2008, and 45 percent in 2006.

Cost of transporting soybeans from Brazil to Shanghai, China, 2013-2018

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

% 

Change 

2017-18

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

% 

Change 

2017-18

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 116.40 103.90 86.04 75.49 92.95 91.76 -1.3 23.26 24.56 26.37 18.38 30.72 29.20 -4.9Ocean 40.96 36.85 23.81 16.63 26.88 30.31 12.8 41.52 37.02 25.31 20.50 27.30 31.06 13.8Total transportation 157.36 140.75 109.86 92.12 119.82 122.08 1.9 64.79 61.58 51.68 38.88 58.02 60.27 3.9Farm gate price3 415.28 388.33 295.17 331.91 293.60 306.03 4.2 459.33 442.52 331.55 352.69 322.30 333.21 3.4Landed cost 572.64 529.08 405.02 424.03 413.43 428.11 3.6 524.11 504.10 383.23 391.57 380.32 393.48 3.5Transport % of landed cost 28.4 27.8 27.1 21.9 29.0 28.5 -1.8 12.3 12.2 13.5 9.9 15.3 15.3 0.0

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

South GO1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Truck - Rondonópolis (MT) - - - - - 33.49 - 58.90 62.57 39.82 34.66 44.22 43.25 -2.2Rail4 - Santos - - - - - 43.29 - - - - - - - -Ocean - - - - - 30.31 - 40.96 36.85 23.81 16.63 26.88 30.31 12.8Total transportation - - - - - 107.10 - 99.86 99.42 63.63 51.28 71.09 73.56 3.5Farm gate price3 - - - - - 306.03 - 428.06 401.49 304.36 329.15 301.99 312.31 3.4Landed cost - - - - - 413.13 - 527.93 500.91 368.00 380.43 373.08 385.88 3.4Transport % of landed cost - - - - - 25.9 - 18.9 19.8 17.2 13.6 19.1 19.1 -0.41Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná 2Export ports3Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br4Note: In 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 of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers (Source: ESALQ-LOG, 2018).Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
10

In 2018, Brazilian soybean transportation costs from Mato Grosso (MT), as a percentage of total landed costs, decreased 3.4 percent and 4.2 percent from Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to Hamburg, Germany, from a year earlier.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

% 

Change 

2017-18

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

% 

Change 

2017-18

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 116.40 103.90 86.04 75.49 92.95 91.76 -1.3 23.26 24.56 26.37 23.85 30.72 29.20 -4.9Ocean 29.50 27.75 19.75 18.13 24.50 25.25 3.1 29.50 27.00 20.25 17.25 25.50 26.25 2.9Total transportation 145.90 131.65 105.79 93.62 117.45 117.01 -0.4 52.76 51.56 46.62 41.10 56.22 55.45 -1.4Farm gate price3 415.28 388.33 295.17 331.91 293.60 306.03 4.2 459.33 442.52 331.55 348.28 322.30 333.21 3.4Landed cost 561.18 519.98 400.96 425.53 411.05 423.05 2.9 512.09 494.08 378.17 389.37 378.52 388.66 2.7Transport % of landed cost 26.0 25.3 26.3 22.1 28.6 27.6 -3.4 10.3 10.5 12.3 10.6 14.9 14.3 -4.2

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

South GO1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Truck - Rondonópolis (MT) - - - - - 33.49 - 58.90 62.57 39.82 34.66 44.22 43.25 -2.2Rail4 - Santos - - - - - 43.29 - - - - - - - -Ocean - - - - - 25.25 - 29.50 27.75 19.75 18.13 24.50 25.25 3.1Total transportation - - - - - 102.03 - 88.40 90.32 59.57 52.78 68.72 68.50 -0.3Farm gate price3 - - - - - 306.03 - 428.06 401.49 304.36 329.15 301.99 312.3 3.4Landed cost - - - - - 408.07 - 516.47 491.81 363.94 381.93 370.71 380.81 2.7Transport % of landed cost - - - - - 25.0 - 17.1 18.3 16.3 13.9 18.6 18.0 -3.31Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná 2Export ports3Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br4Note: In 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 of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers (Source: ESALQ-LOG, 2018).Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

Cost of transporting soybeans from Brazil to Hamburg, Germany, 2013-2018
11

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

Hamburg increased.

Cost of transporting soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports to Shanghai, China, 2016-2018

2016 2017 2018 % Change 

2017-18 2016 2017 2018 % Change 2017-18

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 49.60 55.08 58.86 6.9 31.04 37.69 37.60 -0.2

Ocean 21.54 30.75 34.81 13.2 19.48 29.56 33.89 14.6

Total transportation 71.14 85.83 93.67 9.1 50.52 67.25 71.48 6.3

Farm gate price3 331.91 293.60 306.03 4.2 376.89 343.39 333.03 -3.0

Landed cost 403.05 379.43 399.70 5.3 427.41 410.64 404.51 -1.5

Transport % of landed cost 20.2 22.7 23.4 3.3 12.0 16.4 17.7 7.9

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 34.23 44.44 46.52 4.7

Ocean 19.48 29.56 33.89 14.6

Total transportation 53.71 74.00 80.41 8.7

Farm gate price3 344.78 283.05 306.26 8.2

Landed cost 398.49 357.05 386.67 8.3

Transport % of landed cost 13.6 21.0 20.8 -0.9

1

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

2

Export ports

3

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

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

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

Cost of transporting soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany, 2016-2018

2016 2017 2018 % Change 

2017-18 2016 2017 2018 % Change 2017-18

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 49.60 55.08 58.86 6.9 31.04 37.69 37.60 -0.2

Ocean 14.99 23.90 23.35 -2.3 11.71 20.20 19.40 -4.0

Total transportation 64.59 78.98 82.21 4.1 42.75 57.89 57.00 -1.5

Farm gate price3 331.91 293.60 306.03 4.2 376.89 343.39 333.03 -3.0

Landed cost 396.50 372.58 388.24 4.2 419.64 401.28 390.02 -2.8

Transport % of landed cost 16.4 21.2 21.2 -0.3 10.3 14.4 14.6 1.4

Southwest PI1

 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 34.27 44.44 46.52 4.7

Ocean 11.71 20.20 19.40 -4.0

Total transportation 45.98 64.64 65.92 2.0

Farm gate price3 344.78 283.05 306.26 8.2

Landed cost 390.76 347.68 372.18 7.0

Transport % of landed cost 11.9 18.9 17.7 -6.1

1

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

2

Export ports

3

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

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

In 2018, U.S. soybean transportation costs from Iowa through the U.S. Gulf to Hamburg, Germany, as a 

percentage of total landed costs increased about 18 percent due to higher transportation costs and lower farm 

prices. 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 nearly 15 percent compared to 2017. Barge rates increased 32-39 

percent, compared to 2017, due to higher operating costs caused by consistent highwater levels throughout 

the year. Large 2018 global bulk product movements, especially iron ore and coal, increased ocean rates.

Average cost of transporting U.S. soybeans to Hamburg, Germany, and Shanghai, China, 2013-2018

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

% 

Change 

2017-18

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

% 

Change 

2017-18

To Hamburg, Germany

Minneapolis, Minnesota

—US$/mt—

Davenport, Iowa

—US$/mt—

Truck 11.56 13.04 10.23 10.36 12.71 12.14 -4.5 11.56 13.04 10.23 10.36 12.71 12.14 -4.5

Rail1 36.48 42.08 42.09 43.30 45.91 46.37 1.0 27.93 30.77 31.20 11.65 34.98 30.92 -11.6

Barge2 25.79 37.45 27.49 24.32 22.62 29.97 32.5 21.38 32.80 22.15 18.72 17.60 24.51 39.3

Ocean3 22.87 20.24 14.32 13.83 15.46 19.85 28.4 22.87 20.24 14.32 19.20 15.47 19.85 28.3

Total 

transportation4 69.34 81.25 62.56 59.33 62.26 73.55 18.1 62.79 73.77 54.50 51.19 54.53 64.23 17.8

Farm price5 511.04 455.47 342.91 335.81 338.20 330.51 -2.3 517.78 458.07 344.69 340.89 344.53 336.05 -2.5

Landed cost 580.38 536.72 405.47 395.14 400.46 404.06 0.9 580.57 531.84 399.19 392.08 399.06 400.28 0.3

Transport % of 

landed cost 12.0 15.3 15.3 15.1 15.5 18.1 17.4 10.9 14.1 13.6 13.1 13.6 16.0 17.8

To Shanghai, China

Minneapolis, Minnesota

—US$/mt—

Davenport, Iowa

—US$/mt—

Truck 11.56 13.04 14.13 10.36 12.71 12.14 -4.5 11.56 13.04 10.23 10.36 12.71 12.14 -4.5

Rail1 36.48 42.08 42.09 43.30 45.91 46.37 1.0 27.93 30.77 31.20 33.12 34.98 30.92 -11.6

Barge2 25.79 37.45 27.49 24.32 22.62 29.97 32.5 21.38 32.80 22.15 18.72 17.60 24.51 39.3

Ocean3 46.76 45.72 30.09 26.65 38.37 44.42 15.8 46.76 45.72 30.09 26.65 38.37 44.42 15.8

Total 

transportation4 93.23 106.72 78.33 72.15 85.17 98.12 15.2 86.69 99.25 69.67 64.00 77.43 88.80 14.7

Farm price5 511.04 455.47 342.91 335.81 338.20 330.56 -2.3 517.78 458.07 344.69 340.89 344.53 336.05 -2.5

Landed cost 604.28 562.19 421.24 407.96 423.37 428.68 1.3 604.46 557.32 414.96 404.90 421.96 424.85 0.7

Transport % of 

landed cost 15.5 19.1 18.5 17.8 20.1 22.8 13.9 14.4 18.0 16.9 15.9 18.3 20.9 14.2

1

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

rate plus fuel surcharge shown in the table.

2

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

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

3

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

4

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

only in the first quarter.

5

Source: USDA/NASS/Quick Stats database
14

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

the Pacific Northwest (PNW) to Shanghai, China, increased 5-6 percent from a year earlier. Transportation costs 

to China via the PNW did not increase as much as the route via the U.S. Gulf. That is because of lower Chinese 

demand for U.S. grain and soybeans, mostly due to U.S.-China trade tensions, and the implementation of a 25 

percent duty on U.S. soybeans, that started on July 6, 2018.

Average cost of transporting U.S. soybeans to Shanghai, China, 2014-2018

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

% 

Change

2017-18

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

% 

Change

2017-18

To Shanghai, China via PNW

Fargo, ND 

—US$/mt— 

Sioux Falls, SD

—US$/mt— 

Truck 13.04 10.23 10.36 12.71 12.14 -4.5 13.04 10.23 10.44 12.71 12.14 -4.5

Rail1 59.19 55.98 53.04 54.66 55.12 0.8 60.74 57.20 54.02 55.65 56.11 0.8

Ocean2 24.21 16.34 14.90 20.37 24.34 19.5 24.21 16.34 14.85 20.37 24.34 19.5

Total 

transportation

96.43 82.55 78.30 87.74 91.60 4.4 97.99 83.77 79.31 88.74 92.59 4.3

Farm price3 421.91 322.98 327.42 324.57 319.55 -1.5 437.89 329.87 328.98 328.98 320.38 -2.6

Landed cost 518.34 405.52 405.72 412.31 411.14 -0.3 535.88 413.64 408.29 417.72 412.96 -1.1

Transport % of 

landed cost

18.8 20.4 19.3 21.3 22.3 4.8 18.5 20.3 19.4 21.2 22.5 5.8

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: O’Neil Commodity Consulting

3

Source: USDA/NASS/Quick Stats database

In 2018, the cost per metric ton (mt) to ship soybeans from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso (MT) to Shanghai, 

China, was $33.28 more than from Davenport, IA. Sorriso is located 1,190 miles from the port of Santos. 

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

Orleans.

Transportation cost differences between Mato Gross (MT) and Iowa (IA) to Shanghai, China, 2017-2018

2017 2018

Sorriso, North MT, through Santos 119.82 122.08

Davenport, IA, through U.S. Gulf 77.43 88.80

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

140.00

U.S.$/metric ton

+$42.40 MT +$33.28

IA

MT

IA

Source: USDA/AMS
15

In 2018, the cost of shipping a metric ton of soybeans from Cruz Alta, Northwest Rio Grande do Sul (RS), to 

Shanghai, China, was $28.53 less than from Davenport, IA. The cost advantage widened from 2017, as an 

increase in the U.S. barge rates more than offset the smaller rise in ocean freight costs from Rio Grande. 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, 2017-2018

Source: USDA/AMS

2017 2018

Northwest RS, through Rio Grande 58.02 60.27

Davenport, IA, through U.S. Gulf 77.43 88.80

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

-$19.40

-$28.53

RS

IA

RS

IA

During 2018, Sorriso, North MT, soybean shippers to Shanghai paid $29-$33 per metric ton more than U.S. 

exporters, through the U.S. Gulf and PNW routes, when they used trucks. The cost advantage narrowed to 

$15-$18 per metric ton when soybeans were shipped by rail. In 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 of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

Transportation cost differences between selected Brazil-United States Routes to Shanghai, China, 2018

Sorriso, North MT, through Santos via truck 122.08

Sorriso, North MT, through Santos via rail 107.10

Sioux Falls, SD, through PNW 92.59

Fargo, ND, through PNW 91.60

Davenport, IA, through U.S. Gulf 88.80

South MA, through São Luís 71.48

Northwest RS, through Rio Grande 60.27

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

140.00

U.S.$/metric ton

MT via SD MA

truck 

MT via ND IA RS

rail

Source: USDA/AMS
16

In 2018, selected Brazilian export truck routes, measured in reais (R$), saw proportionally higher 

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

against the U.S. dollar. For example, truck rates measured in reais from Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to 

Rio Grande increased 8 percent; truck rates from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso (MT) to Santos and Paranaguá 

increased 12-15 percent. In 2018, the Brazilian Real (R$) depreciated nearly 16 percent against the U.S. dollar, 

compared to 2017, from R$3.19 per U.S. dollar to R$3.69.

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export routes, 2012-2018, reais/metric ton

Route 

# Origin1

(reference city) Distance2

(miles)

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 % 

change 

2017-18

Reais/metric ton

1 Northwest RS3 (Cruz Alta) 288 50.35 49.90 57.52 87.26 83.70 97.91 106.15 8.4

2 North MT (Sorriso) 1190 218.00 250.60 243.68 283.84 263.26 296.36 334.43 12.8

3 North MT (Sorriso) 1262 212.49 241.25 236.81 282.66 259.49 285.12 328.71 15.3

4 South GO (Rio Verde) 587 107.31 126.98 146.51 130.98 121.33 140.95 157.35 11.6

6 North Center PR (Londrina) 268 67.92 69.02 72.47 79.44 74.77 93.34 98.87 5.9

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) 901 164.92 190.65 185.01 193.85 179.27 202.86 226.32 11.6

27 North MT (Sorriso) 672 -na- -na- -na- 137.56 145.97 190.01 204.53 7.6

29 North MT (Sorriso) 876 -na- -na- -na- 190.47 174.02 175.70 214.29 22.0

30 South MA (Balsas) 482 -na- -na- -na- 119.23 107.94 120.16 137.16 14.2

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) 606 -na- -na- -na- 141.03 119.74 141.67 169.77 19.8

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) 249 -na- -na- -na- 65.77 62.95 79.64 81.19 1.9

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) 842 -na- -na- -na- 184.72 175.24 196.74 207.55 5.5

34 North MT (Sorriso) 382 -na- -na- -na- -na- -na- -na- 121.48 -

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail teminal)4 1019 -na- -na- -na- -na- -na- -na- 157.64 -

1

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

2

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

3

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

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

4

Note: In 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 of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers (Source: ESALQ-LOG, 2018)

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

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export routes, 2012-2018, US$/metric ton=

Route 

# Origin1

(reference city) Distance2

(miles)

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 % 

change 

2017-18

US$/metric ton

1 Northwest RS3 (Cruz Alta) 288 25.83 23.26 24.56 26.37 23.85 30.72 29.20 -4.9

2 North MT (Sorriso) 1190 111.78 116.40 103.90 86.04 75.49 92.95 91.76 -1.3

3 North MT (Sorriso) 1262 108.93 111.93 100.89 85.68 74.42 89.41 90.20 0.9

4 South GO (Rio Verde) 587 55.02 58.90 62.57 39.82 34.66 44.22 43.25 -2.2

6 North Center PR (Londrina) 268 34.76 32.26 30.98 24.07 21.31 29.29 27.22 -7.1

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) 901 84.42 88.66 79.00 58.82 51.29 63.63 62.16 -2.3

27 North MT (Sorriso) 672 -na- -na- -na- 41.70 41.72 59.65 56.27 -5.7

29 North MT (Sorriso) 876 -na- -na- -na- 58.12 49.60 55.08 58.86 6.9

30 South MA (Balsas) 482 -na- -na- -na- 36.15 31.04 37.69 37.60 -0.2

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) 606 -na- -na- -na- 43.04 34.23 44.44 46.52 4.7

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) 249 -na- -na- -na- 19.82 17.93 25.00 22.39 -10.4

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) 842 -na- -na- -na- 56.78 50.55 61.69 56.94 -7.7

34 North MT (Sorriso) 382 -na- -na- -na- -na- -na- -na- 33.49 -

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail teminal)4 1019 -na- -na- -na- -na- -na- -na- 43.29 -

1

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

2

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

3

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

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

4

Note: In 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 of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers (Source: ESALQ-LOG, 2018)

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

In 2018, the Brazilian soybean export transportation cost index increased. The cost of shipping a metric ton 

(mt) of soybeans 100 miles by truck decreased from $8.82 in 2017, to $8.44 in 2018.

Brazilian soybean export truck cost index, 2016-2018

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$/MT/100 miles

2016

2017

2018

Average 2016: $6.78

Average 2018: $8.44 Average 2017: $8.82

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

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

Canada. In 2018, Santos was the largest Brazil soybean export port, followed by Paranaguá, Rio Grande, São 

Luís, and São Francisco do Sul. These 5 ports accounted for nearly 76 percent of total exports. Soybean trade is 

still dominated by the southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São Francisco do Sul, accounting 

for 66 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports. Approximately 26 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports were shipped 

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

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

Brazil soybean exports by port, 2016-2018

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Santos

Paranaguá

Rio Grande

São Luís

São Francisco do Sul

Barcarena/Belém

Vitória

Salvador

Santarém

Manaus

Imbituba

Percentage

2018

2017

2016

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

In 2018, ocean rates from the Port of Santos to Shanghai, China, increased nearly 13 percent, compared with 

2017 rates, averaging $30.31/mt. Ocean rates to Hamburg increased 3 percent, from 2017 rates, averaging 

$25.50/mt. Ocean rates from the southern Brazilian ports increased 3 percent to Hamburg and 9-14 percent to 

China, due to higher grain exports and strong iron ore trade.

Brazilian soybean ocean freight from Santos to Shanghai and Hamburg, 2018

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

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

Brazilian soybean ocean freight from selected ports to Shanghai, China, 2018

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

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

The cost to ship 1 mt of soybeans from Brazil to Hamburg, by ocean-going vessel, increased on average 3 

percent, from $25.17/mt to $25.92/mt.

Ocean rates from Brazil to Hamburg, Germany, increased in 2018

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

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

 -

 5.00

 10.00

 15.00

 20.00

 25.00

 30.00

 35.00

 40.00

Santos Paranaguá Rio Grande

US$/metric ton

Port of origin

2017

2018

3-port average 2018: $25.92

3-port average 2017: $25.17

In 2018, the cost to ship 1 mt of soybeans from Brazil to Shanghai, by ocean vessel, increased nearly 12 percent 

on average, from $27.52/mt to $30.77/mt. 

Ocean rates from Brazil to Shanghai, China, increased in 2018

 5.00

 10.00

 15.00

 20.00

 25.00

 30.00

 35.00

 40.00

Santos Paranaguá Rio Grande

US$/metric ton

Port of origin

2017

2018

3-port average 2018: $30.77

3-port average 2017: $27.52
21

In 2018, farm prices in the Brazilian real (R$) increased, on average, 14 percent. Mato Grosso (MT) and Rio 

Grande do Sul (RS) farm prices increased nearly 15 percent. However, when farm prices were measured in U.S. 

dollars, they increased proportionally less from a year earlier. The difference was due to a nearly 16 percent fall 

in value of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar.

Selected Brazilian farm prices, reais/metric ton, 2017-2018

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

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)

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

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)

RS MT GO PR PI PA MA

2017 1,029 937 964 1,026 904 1,069 1,096

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

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

Reais/metric ton

+15% +15% +16% +15% +20% +13% +9%

Selected Brazilian farm prices, US$/metric ton, 2017-2018

RS MT GO PR PI PA MA

2017 322.30 293.60 301.99 321.54 283.05 334.99 343.39

2018 333.21 306.03 312.31 334.06 306.26 339.01 333.03

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

300.00

350.00

400.00

US$/metric ton

+3% +4% +3% +4% +8% +1% -3%
22

In 2018, the Brazilian Real (R$) depreciated nearly 16 percent against the U.S. dollar, compared to 2017, when 

it fell from R$3.19 per U.S. dollar to R$3.69.

Average quarterly exchange rate, real per U.S. dollar, 2016-2018

Source: Banco Central do Brasil

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

2016 3.8999 3.5076 3.2912 3.2953

2017 3.1429 3.2137 3.1639 3.2506

2018 3.2425 3.7732 3.9505 3.8084

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

Reais per US$

Average 2018: 3.6936

Average 2017: 3.1928

Average 2016: 3.4985

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

U.S.-Brazil modal share for general cargo, 2017

*Ocean, air, pipeline, multiplemodes, etc.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 2009 latest data available; the Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) 2017; and Agencia 

Nacional de Transportes Terrestres (ANTT), 2007 latest data available.
23

The 2018 Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) survey of the overall highway conditions in Brazil 

estimates that, due to the poor conditions of the paved roads, the 2018 marginal operational cost of cargo 

trucks is 26.7 percent higher than a paved road under optimal conditions. Overall, the 2018 additional 

operational cargo cost (26.7 percent) was lower than 2017 (27.7 percent), but higher than 2016 (24.9 percent). 

This cost increased in the North and Northeast. For example, according to CNT, if the cost of shipping a metric 

ton of soybeans from Sorriso, North MT, to Santos is $100 per metric ton (mt), the 2018 optimal cost should be 

$73.3/mt.

Cost increases due to poor road pavement conditions, 2016-2018

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte

25.7

21.2

25.3 23.9

26.6 34.3

24.7

29.3

25.1

33.6

25.2

22.0

28.6

25.6

40

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

South Southeast Center West Northeast North

Additional cost (%)

Brazil regions

2016 2017 2018

Average 2018: 26.7% Average 2016: 24.9% Average 2017: 27.7% 
24

Brazil Hours-of-Service Rule. On July 17, 2012, the Brazilian government implemented the first hours-of-service 

rules, called the “Driver’s Law,” to address safety issues. The new law reduced the number of hours a truck driver 

can work in a 24-hour period, thereby increasing transportation costs. The law is enforced by the Ministry of Labor 

and Transportation. Noncompliance with the law results in a fine to the driver and the vehicle may be placed out of 

service until full rest is reached or the driver is replaced. 

U.S. Hours-of-Service Rule. The United States’ first hours-of-service rules were issued in 1938. Since then, the 

law has been revised several times. In 1995, an agricultural exemption for the planting and harvest seasons was 

added and later revised in 2005, 2012, and 2018. Drivers transporting an agricultural commodity or farm supplies 

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

agricultural commodity or the distribution point of the farm supplies, during planting and harvest seasons, as 

determined by each State.

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

are based on a daily 14 hour on-duty window, with a maximum of 11 hours of driving and a 60 or 70-hour weekly onduty limit (table 1). Brazilian drivers have a daily on-duty window of 13 hours, with a maximum of 10 hours driving 

limit for every 24 hours of travel and a mandatory 35-hour weekly rest period. The U.S. on-duty limits are based on 

60 hours over 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours over 8 consecutive days with a voluntary 34 consecutive hour off-duty 

restart provision to begin a new 7 or 8 day on-duty period. Brazilian rules require a 30−minute break for every 4 

hours of uninterrupted driving. U.S. drivers are required to take a 30-minute break if 8 hours have passed since their 

last off-duty period of at least 30 minutes.

Regulation United States Brazil

Daily on-duty window* 14 consecutive hours, after 10 consecutive hours off-duty 13 consecutive hours

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

14-hour on-duty window

10 hours (8 hours regular time plus 2 

hours of compensatory time) within the 

13-hour limit

Daily rest requirement 10 hours 11 hours every 24 hours 

Weekly rest See weekly limits 35 hours

Breaks 30-minute off-duty break upon or before 8 hours have passed since 

the last off-duty period of at least 30 minutes 

30-minute break every 4 hours of 

driving and 1 hour for meals

Weekly limits 60 or 70 hours on-duty limit: drivers may not drive after 60 hours onduty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days

Restart provision A driver may restart a weekly 7 or 8 consecutive day period after 

being off-duty for 34 hours

Adverse driving conditions 

exception**

2 additional driving hours are allowed beyond the 11-hour driving 

limit, within the 14-hour on-duty window 1 extra hour

*On-duty time means all time from the time a driver begins to work or is required to be in readiness to work until the time the driver is relieved from work and all 

responsibility for performing work. On-duty time includes:

(1) All time at a plant, terminal, facility, or other property of a motor carrier or shipper, or on any public property, waiting to be dispatched, unless the driver has been 

relieved from duty by the motor carrier;

(2) All time inspecting, servicing, or conditioning any commercial motor vehicle at any time;

(3) All driving time spent at the driving controls of a commercial motor vehicle in operation;

(4) All time in or on a commercial motor vehicle, other than:

(i) Time spent resting in or on a parked vehicle;

(ii) Time spent resting in a sleeper berth; or

(iii) Up to 2 hours riding in the passenger seat of a property-carrying vehicle moving on the highway immediately before or after a period of at least 8 consecutive 

hours in the sleeper berth;

(5) All time loading or unloading a commercial motor vehicle, supervising, or assisting in the loading or unloading, attending a commercial motor vehicle being loaded 

or unloaded, remaining in readiness to operate the commercial motor vehicle, or in giving or receiving receipts for shipments loaded or unloaded;

(6) All time repairing, obtaining assistance, or remaining in attendance upon a disabled commercial motor vehicle;

(7) All time spent providing a breath sample or urine specimen, including travel time to and from the collection site, to comply with the random, reasonable suspicion, 

post-crash, or follow-up testing required, when directed by a motor carrier;

(8) Performing any other work in the capacity, employ, or service of, a motor carrier; and

(9) Performing any compensated work for a person who is not a motor carrier.

** Adverse driving conditions means snow, sleet, fog, other adverse weather conditions, a highway covered with snow or ice, or unusual road and traffic conditions, 

none of which were apparent to the person dispatching the run at the time it was begun. A driver who encounters adverse driving conditions, and cannot, because of 

those conditions, safely complete the run within the maximum 11 hours driving time permitted may drive and be permitted or required to drive for not more than 2 

additional hours to complete that run or to reach a place offering safety for the driver and security for the vehicle and its cargo, within the 14-hour on-duty window. 

Sources: Summary of Hours of Service Regulations, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations; 49 CFR 395.2 

Definitions, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/b/5/3; Hours of Service of Drivers, Notice of suspension of enforcement of certain restart provisions, 

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/hours-service-drivers; Regulatory Guidance Concerning the Transportation of Agricultural Commodities, 

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/rulemaking/2018-12250.
25

Transportation Infrastructure

Brazilian Minimum Freight Rates Law

On February 7, 2019, the Brazilian Supreme Court reinstated the National Land Transportation Agency’s (ANTT) 

authority to issue fines to anyone who does not pay the mandatory minimum freight rate. The fines will remain 

in place until the Supreme Court issues its ruling on the constitutionality of the law 13.703/18 of August 

9, 2018. There is no indication when the ruling will be made (Argus 2019 and Folha de S. Paulo). The law 

allows the ANTT to set minimum rates, for trucking freight across the country, reflecting total transportation 

operating costs across the country based on fuel costs, distances, tolls, and other factors (Confederação 

Nacional do Transporte (CNT) and AgriCensus). The minimum rates include a charge on return trips, even if the 

truck is empty. Truckers are forbidden to negotiate contracts below the ANTT minimum. The law requires truck 

freight prices to be equal to, or above, minimum prices set by the ANTT. Rates are published twice a year, on 

January 20 and July 20.3 

Recently, the ANTT contracted the Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz” (ESALQ-LOG) to update the 

methodology and the minimum freight rate table, and to analyze the economic and regulatory impacts of the 

law.4 By April, ANTT will publish a freight table version for consultation and public hearing. In July 2019, the 

new version of the minimum freight table will be published.

The ruling came after organizations, opposing these minimum mandatory rates, challenged the 

constitutionality of the law, to Brazil’s Supreme Court. The minimum freight rates policy was implemented in 

June 2018, by the former President Michel Temer’s Administration, as a concession to the trucking industry to 

end an 11-day nationwide strike in late May. 

Trucker’s Strike: On May 21, 2018, hundreds of thousands of Brazil’s nearly 2 million truck drivers began an 11-

day strike to protest high diesel prices. The strike slowed Brazil’s economy, crippled transportation-dependent 

industries, and caused estimated losses of US$ 1.75 billion to Brazil’s agricultural sector. The swine and pork 

industries were hit especially hard (USDA, FAS, Gain Report BR1810). Shortages of fuel and animal feed 

affected farms and feedlots; and 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. On day eight of the strike, most 

export terminals ran out of soybeans for shipment. On the ninth day of the strike, the Brazilian government 

agreed to reduce diesel prices by 0.46 reais per liter, hold prices stable for 60 days, reduce tolls for large trucks, 

and suspend or eliminate some taxes to coax drivers back to the roads. The measures largely worked, with 

most truckers returning to the road. Deliveries of food, fuel, and medicine also began to flow again, albeit at 

a slower, less reliable pace (USDA, FAS, Gain Report BR1810). On August 9, 2018, the Brazilian government 

published in the Official Gazette, the new law 13.703/18 that allows the National Transport Agency (ANTT) to 

set minimum rates, for trucking freight across the country.

3 The frequency with which 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 rates are not published within the identified timeframe, the previous period’s truck freight rates—updated 

by IPCA (wide consumer price index)—will be valid.

4 On January 1, 2019, the ANTT and a Fundação de Estudos Agrários Luiz de Queiroz – FEALQ signed a 21 months contract to update the 

methodology and the minimum freight rate table.
26

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 (TO)-Estela D’Oeste, São Paulo (SP). 

This railroad integrates four States: TO, Goiás (GO), Minas Gerais (MG), and SP with access to the 

northeastern port of Itaquí-Sâo Luis, Maranhão (MA). 

Current Status: On March 28, the Brazilian government announced that it will auction a new 

section of the North-South Railroad - from Estrela d’Oeste (SP) to Porto Nacional (TO). The 

railroad section is 953 miles (1,537 km) long. The minimum bid will be of $346.5 million (R$1.4 

billion), with projected investments of $717.2 million (R$2.8 billion) in the railroad over the full 

period. The concession term is 30 years.

2. The West-East Integration (FIOL) Railroad (EF-334): Ilhéus (BA) to Figueirópolis (TO). Extension: 

947 miles (1,527 km). 

Current Status: Nothing to report.

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 $3.6 

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

complete. 

Current status: The Brazilian government plans to announce the tender offer, requesting bids for 

the concession, during 2019.

4. BR-163: The distance by truck from Sorriso, North MT, (Brazil’s largest grain producer) to 

Miritituba is 663 miles (1,067 km), via BR-163. Currently, it takes 3 days to ship grain to Miritituba 

because of the poor condition of the last unpaved miles of BR-163, connecting Sorriso to 

Miritituba. 

Current status: The Army Engineer Construction Batallion (BEC) will complete paving of the last 

30 miles (49 kilometers) of BR-163, connecting Sorriso to Miritituba, by the end of 2019. The 

estimated cost: $640.3 million (R$2.5 billion) (CNT).

While the construction on BR-163 continues, the Brazilian government will conduct daily inspections 

and maintenance of unpaved trouble spots on BR-163, within the state of Pará (Operation Radar II). In 

this way, the new Bolsonaro Administration reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the flow of grain 

exports from Mato Grosso to the Amazon ports.

5 Exchange rate of 3.90419 real per U.S. dollar, March 25, 2019.
27

 Brazil Modal share for general cargo, 2018-2025

2018 2025

Highways 61% 30%

Railways 21% 35%

Waterways 14% 29%

Others 5% 6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Percentage shaare

-31%

+14%

+15%

+1%

Source: : Brazil Ministry of Transportation, National Plan of Logistics & Transportation (PNLT) and Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) 2018
28

Transportation Indicators

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Shanghai, China, 2018

 2018

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 93.44 101.44 92.79 79.37 91.76 92.46 99.91 91.43 77.02 90.20

Ocean 32.50 31.00 27.75 30.00 30.31 32.00 32.00 28.75 31.00 30.94

Total transportation 125.94 132.44 120.54 109.37 122.08 124.46 131.91 120.18 108.02 121.14

Farm gate price3 305.85 323.46 301.39 293.43 306.03 305.85 323.46 301.39 293.43 306.03

Landed cost 431.80 455.90 421.93 402.80 428.11 430.31 455.37 421.57 401.45 427.18

Transport % of landed cost 29.2 29.1 28.6 27.2 28.5 28.9 29.0 28.5 26.9 28.3

North MT1 - Santos2 BY RAIL

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 39.07 32.93 32.31 29.65 33.49 31.51 31.29 27.79 26.22 29.20

Rail4 - Santos 46.94 43.89 42.77 39.56 43.29 - - - - -

Ocean 32.50 31.00 27.75 30.00 30.31 33.00 31.50 28.25 31.50 31.06

Total transportation 118.51 107.82 102.84 99.22 107.10 64.51 62.79 56.04 57.72 60.27

Farm gate price3 305.85 323.46 301.39 293.43 306.03 334.43 343.90 326.13 328.39 333.21

Landed cost 424.36 431.28 404.23 392.65 413.13 398.94 406.68 382.17 386.12 393.48

Transport % of landed cost 27.9 25.0 25.4 25.3 25.9 16.2 15.4 14.7 15.0 15.3

1

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

2

Export ports

3

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

4

 Note: In 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 of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers (Source: ESALQ-LOG, 2018)

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
29

Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Hamburg, Germany, 2018

 2018

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 93.44 101.44 92.79 79.37 91.76 92.46 99.91 91.43 77.02 90.20

Ocean 27.00 25.00 24.00 25.00 25.25 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00 26.25

Total transportation 120.44 126.44 116.79 104.37 117.01 120.46 125.91 116.43 103.02 116.45

Farm gate price3 305.85 323.46 301.39 293.43 306.03 305.85 323.46 301.39 293.43 306.03

Landed cost 426.30 449.90 418.18 397.80 423.05 426.31 449.37 417.82 396.45 422.49

Transport % of landed cost 28.3 28.1 27.9 26.2 27.6 28.3 28.0 27.9 26.0 27.5

North MT1 - Santos2 BY RAIL

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 39.07 32.93 32.31 29.65 33.49 31.51 31.29 27.79 26.22 29.20

Rail4 - Santos 46.94 43.89 42.77 39.56 43.29 - - - - -

Ocean 27.00 25.00 24.00 25.00 25.25 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00 26.25

Total transportation 113.01 101.82 99.09 94.22 102.03 59.51 57.29 52.79 52.22 55.45

Farm gate price3 305.85 323.46 301.39 293.43 306.03 334.43 343.90 326.13 328.39 333.21

Landed cost 418.86 425.28 400.48 387.65 408.07 393.94 401.18 378.92 380.62 388.66

Transport % of landed cost 27.0 23.9 24.7 24.3 25.0 15.1 14.3 13.9 13.7 14.3

1

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

2

Export ports

3

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

4

 Note: In 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 of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers (Source: ESALQ-LOG, 2018)

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

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

China, 2018

 2018

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 61.09 65.07 58.29 50.98 58.86 36.57 41.36 37.04 35.40 37.60

Ocean 38.50 35.50 31.25 34.00 34.81 37.00 34.80 30.75 33.00 33.89

Total transportation 99.59 100.57 89.54 84.98 93.67 73.57 76.16 67.79 68.40 71.48

Farm gate price3 305.85 323.46 301.39 293.43 306.03 357.97 342.78 305.07 326.30 333.03

Landed cost 405.44 424.03 390.93 378.41 399.70 431.54 418.94 372.86 394.70 404.51

Transport % of landed cost 24.6 23.7 22.9 22.5 23.4 17.0 18.2 18.2 17.3 17.7

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 44.28 50.61 44.56 46.63 46.52

Ocean 37.00 34.80 30.75 33.00 33.89

Total transportation 81.28 85.41 75.31 79.63 80.41

Farm gate price3 321.69 320.70 290.62 292.04 306.26

Landed cost 402.97 406.11 365.93 371.67 386.67

Transport % of landed cost 20.2 21.0 20.6 21.4 20.8

1

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

2

Export ports

3

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

available

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

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

to Hamburg, Germany, 2018

 2018

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 61.09 65.07 58.29 50.98 58.86 36.57 41.36 37.04 35.40 37.60

Ocean 25.00 22.90 22.50 23.00 23.35 21.00 19.10 18.50 19.00 19.40

Total transportation 86.09 87.97 80.79 73.98 82.21 57.57 60.46 55.54 54.40 57.00

Farm gate price3 305.85 323.46 301.39 293.43 306.03 357.97 342.78 305.07 326.30 333.03

Landed cost 391.94 411.43 382.18 367.41 388.24 415.54 403.24 360.61 380.70 390.02

Transport % of landed cost 22.0 21.4 21.1 20.1 21.2 13.9 15.0 15.4 14.3 14.6

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 44.28 50.61 44.56 46.63 46.52

Ocean 21.00 19.10 18.50 19.00 19.40

Total transportation 65.28 69.71 63.06 65.63 65.92

Farm gate price3 321.69 320.70 290.62 292.04 306.26

Landed cost 386.97 390.41 353.68 357.67 372.18

Transport % of landed cost 16.9 17.9 17.8 18.3 17.7

1

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

2

Export ports

3

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

na: not available 

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
32

Truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2018

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 13.0 10.94 10.86 9.65 9.11 10.14

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.1 7.85 8.52 7.80 6.67 7.71

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 2.9 7.33 7.92 7.24 6.10 7.15

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.5 7.70 8.08 7.01 6.68 7.37

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.5 7.73 8.25 7.25 7.12 7.59

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.0 11.06 11.03 9.54 9.00 10.16

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.8 10.20 10.05 8.87 7.99 9.28

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.3 10.43 10.77 9.37 8.85 9.85

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 2.8 9.19 9.28 8.22 7.80 8.62

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 4.2 8.17 8.78 7.78 7.68 8.10

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.7 7.21 7.51 6.84 6.04 6.90

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.5 6.85 7.12 6.63 5.94 6.63

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.2 8.11 8.20 7.53 7.35 7.80

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.0 7.98 8.40 7.40 7.20 7.74

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 1.9 8.15 8.59 7.57 7.23 7.89

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 2.0 8.82 9.51 8.23 7.95 8.63

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.9 8.98 8.76 7.55 7.10 8.10

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.3 15.03 13.65 11.25 10.34 12.57

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.6 13.26 13.21 11.12 10.47 12.02

20

North Central MS 

(São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.1 6.97 7.40 6.51 6.43 6.83

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.0 8.79 8.96 7.42 6.93 8.02

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 3.2 7.67 8.12 7.14 6.16 7.27

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 0.0 7.07 7.42 6.45 6.25 6.80

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 2.8 7.32 7.82 6.96 6.06 7.04

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.7 9.68 9.23 8.16 7.87 8.73

26 Southwest PR (Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 2.1 12.93 13.45 11.91 11.04 12.33

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.5 8.81 9.94 8.95 5.81 8.38

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 5.8 7.23 7.36 6.64 6.09 6.83

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.2 6.97 7.43 6.65 5.82 6.72

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 1.1 7.59 8.59 7.69 7.35 7.81

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 0.8 7.31 8.35 7.36 7.70 7.68

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.4 10.17 9.58 8.60 7.69 9.01

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.2 6.81 7.37 6.57 6.30 6.76

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 10.23 8.62 8.46 7.76 8.77

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail teminal)6 Santos 1,019 4.61 4.31 4.20 3.88 4.25

Average 587 100.0 8.94 9.21 8.15 7.46 8.44

1

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

2

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

3

Share is measured as a percentage of total production

4

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

5

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

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

6

Note: In 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 of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers (Source: ESALQ-LOG, 2018)

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

Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation route, 2015-2018

Truck rates for selected north, south, and northeastern Brazilian soybean export transportation route, 2016-2018

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

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

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

$13

$14

01/1506/1511/1504/1609/1602/1707/1712/1705/1810/18

US$/MT /100 miles

Western Center PR to Paranaguá

North MT to Paranaguá

Southwest MS to Paranaguá

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

Jan-16

Apr-16

Jul-16

Oct-16

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

US$/MT/100 miles

North MT (Sorriso) to

Santos

North MT to

Paranaguá

North MT (Sorriso) to

Santarém

North MT (Sorriso) to

Itaituba

 South MA (Balsas) to

São Luís

East TO (Campos

Lindos) to São Luis
34

Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2016-2018

Brazilian soybean export increases and truck cost declines for selected routes, 2010-2018

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

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

$0

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

Jan-16

Apr-16

Jul-16

Oct-16

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

US$/MT/100 miles

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 ton

Northwest RS (Cruz Alta) to Rio Grande

Brazil soybean exports

North MT (Sorriso) to Santos
35

Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index, 2011-2018

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-11 10.84 1.1 186.89 Jan-15 8.01 0.7 138.15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Weighted average and quoted in US$ per metric ton 

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
36

Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected Brazilian ports to Shanghai, China, 2011-2018

(US$/metric ton)*

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

Santos 50.00 50.05 52.31 49.65 50.50

Paranagua 56.25 57.62 59.61 55.80 57.32

Rio Grande 50.50 50.60 53.02 50.26 51.10

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

Santos 32.50 31.00 27.75 30.00 30.31

Paranagua 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

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

volumes; na: not available

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

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

Santos 46.62 51.35 50.42 50.42 49.70

Paranagua 52.32 57.63 55.42 55.42 55.20

Rio Grande 47.92 52.78 49.02 49.02 49.69

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

Santos 52.34 34.50 34.50 42.50 40.96

Paranagua 56.03 36.75 36.75 46.00 43.88

Rio Grande 51.34 35.25 35.25 44.25 41.52

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

Santos 44.83 38.07 34.00 30.50 36.85

Paranagua 47.22 41.13 36.00 32.50 39.21

Rio Grande 44.83 38.75 32.50 30.50 36.65

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

Santos 29.50 22.50 23.25 20.00 23.81

Paranagua 31.50 23.50 24.18 20.50 24.92

Rio Grande 29.50 25.00 25.75 21.00 25.31

Santarém 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50 26.56

São Luís 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50 26.56

Barcarena 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50 26.56

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

Santos 17.50 16.50 12.50 20.00 16.63

Paranagua 18.00 18.50 14.50 21.50 18.13

Rio Grande 18.50 17.00 13.00 20.50 17.25

Santarém 22.00 21.00 19.40 23.75 21.54

São Luís 20.00 18.40 17.50 22.00 19.48

Barcarena 22.50 21.50 20.00 23.75 21.94

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

Santos 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00 26.88

Paranagua 20.50 30.50 31.00 31.50 28.38

Rio Grande 18.00 29.50 31.00 30.70 27.30

Santarém 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50 30.75

São Luís 23.50 30.25 31.00 33.50 29.56

Barcarena 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50 30.75
37

Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected Brazilian ports 

to Hamburg, Germany, 2011-2018 (US$/metric ton)*

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

Santos 34.96 35.00 36.65 32.00 34.65

Paranagua 33.86 36.00 37.29 32.63 34.95

Rio Grande 35.43 36.00 37.81 35.22 36.12

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

Santos 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00 18.13

Paranagua 16.00 17.00 16.50 24.00 18.38

Rio Grande 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00 18.13

Santarém 11.03 14.13 15.00 19.80 14.99

São Luís 8.25 11.00 11.80 15.80 11.71

Barcarena 9.60 12.45 13.20 17.35 13.15

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

Santos 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00 24.50

Paranagua 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00 25.50

Rio Grande 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00 25.50

Santarém 21.00 23.60 25.00 26.00 23.90

São Luís 17.60 20.00 21.20 22.00 20.20

Barcarena 18.00 20.60 21.80 22.70 20.78

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

Santos 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.50

Paranagua 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.50

Rio Grande 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 29.50

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

Santos 31.00 30.00 26.00 24.00 27.75

Paranagua 31.00 30.00 28.00 26.00 28.75

Rio Grande 31.00 30.00 24.50 22.50 27.00

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

Santos 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00 19.75

Paranagua 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00 19.75

Rio Grande 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00 19.75

Santarém 20.00 14.50 13.50 20.00 17.00

São Luís 20.00 18.25 16.38 20.50 18.78

Barcarena 20.00 16.00 15.20 21.00 18.05

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

Santos 32.00 35.00 32.00 28.00 31.75

Paranagua 31.58 35.00 34.30 34.30 33.80

Rio Grande 32.08 36.50 32.00 32.00 33.15

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

Santos 27.00 25.00 24.00 25.00 25.25

Paranagua 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

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

volumes; na: not available

Source: Sistema de Informações de Fretes, SIFRECA, ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
38

Soybean Production

Soybean production by state, 2017/18—2018/19**

Region/State

Production*

2017-18

(1,000 mt)

Production**

2018-19

(1,000 mt)

% Change

NORTH

Roraima (RR) 117.5 122.9 4.6

Rondônia (RO) 1,095.2 1,095.2 0.0

Acre (AC) 1.5 4.4 193.3 

Amazonas (AM) 3.4 5.3 55.9 

Amapá (AP) 58.3 74.4 27.6

Pará (PA) 1,530.6 1,712.0 11.9

Tocantins (TO) 3,097.7 2,911.2 -6.0

Total 5,904.2 5,925.4 0.4

NORTHEAST

Maranhão (MA) 2,973.4 2,902.9 -2.4

Piauí (PI) 2,538.6 2,322.1 -8.5

Alagoas (AL) 5.5 7.0 27.3

Bahia (BA) 6,333.2 5,309.1 -16.2

Total 11,850.7 10,541.1 -11.1

CENTER-WEST

Mato Grosso (MT) 32,306.1 32,454.5 0.5

Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) 9,600.5 8,504.0 -11.4

Goiás (GO) 11,785.70 11,437.40 -3.0

Distrito Federal (DF) 253.1 241.6 -4.5

Total 53,945.4 52,637.5 -2.4

SOUTHEAST

Minas Gerais (MG) 5,545.2 5,074.3 -8.5

São Paulo (SP) 3,409.8 3,017.5 -11.5

Total 8,955.0 8,091.8 -9.6

SOUTH

Paraná (PR) 19,170.5 16,252.7 -15.2

Santa Catarina (SC) 2,305.9 2,382.6 3.3

Rio Grande do Sul (RS) 17,150.3 19,187.1 11.9

Total 38,626.7 37,822.4 -2.1

 TOTAL PRODUCTION 119,282.0 115,018.2 -3.6

*Data based on calendar year, January-December

**Forecast, July 2019

Source: Companhia Nacional de abastecimento (CONAB)
39

Brazil soybean supply and distribution, 2006/2007—2019/2020**

Year* Area harvested Beginning 

stocks Production Imports Total supply Exports Crush Domestic consumption

Ending 

stocks

1,000 hectares 1,000 metric tons

 2006/07 20,700 5,283 59,000 108 64,391 23,805 31,511 33,961 6,625

 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 42,312 44,962 9,761

 2017/18 35,150 9,761 122,000 185 131,946 84,155 43,425 45,439 2,352

 2018/19 36,100 2,352 117,000 150 119,502 69,000 43,250 45,902 4,600

2019/20** 36,900 4,600 123,000 200 127,800 77,800 43,850 46,600 3,400

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

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

**Forecast, July 11, 2019

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade Data/Reports/Oilseeds
40

Top 15 Brazilian soybean exporting states, 2016-2018

Exports

State

2016 2017 2018

Rank

metric ton

Mato Grosso 15,222,273 18,017,456 19,752,348 1 

Paraná 7,970,946 10,924,399 12,970,518 2 

Rio Grande do Sul 9,529,430 12,349,282 12,662,653 3 

Goiás 3,549,416 4,805,409 6,118,652 4 

Mato Grosso do Sul 2,892,712 3,642,153 4,860,135 5 

Minas Gerais 2,281,776 2,626,070 4,230,577 6 

São Paulo 3,152,092 3,408,327 4,083,749 7 

Bahia 1,402,068 3,096,844 3,911,068 8 

Não Declarada 8,068 147,976 3,233,404 9 

Tocantins 1,081,074 2,014,962 2,524,185 10 

Maranhão 941,587 1,887,820 2,505,091 11 

Santa Catarina 1,564,279 1,844,618 2,353,659 13 

Piauí 260,652 821,018 1,504,715 12 

Pará 825,297 1,172,575 1,423,392 14 

Rondônia 766,114 878,079 1,048,164 15 

Others 61,352 93,108 394,497

Total 51,577,465 68,147,705 83,594,243

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
41

Top 5 Brazilian soybean exporting states, 2016-2018

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

20,000

22,000

2016 2017 2018

Thousand metric ton

Mato Grosso

Paraná

Rio Grande do Sul

Goiás

Mato Grosso do Sul

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

Brazil average monthly soybean exports, 2015-2018

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

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

2015-2017 0.8 3.6 13.2 15.6 17.5 15.5 12.3 8.5 5.3 3.5 2.1 2.0

2018 1.9 3.4 10.5 12.3 14.8 12.5 12.2 9.7 5.5 6.3 5.9 5.1

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

Percentage

2015-2017

2018
42

Main export routes for soybeans

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

Source: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service & Foreign Agricultural Service
43

World export routes for Brazilian soybeans

Source: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service & Foreign Agricultural Service

Top 5 Brazilian soybean export destinations, 2016-2018

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

China Spain Thailand Netherlands Iran

Thousand metric ton

2016 2017 2018

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
44

In 2018, 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 2019.

Top 5 world soybean exporting countries, 2016/17—2018/19*

*Forecast, July 11, 2019

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

 Brazil

 United States

 Argentina

 Paraguay

 Canada

(1,000 metric tons)

2019/20* 2018/19 2017/18
45

Exports to China

China is Brazil’s largest soybean buyer, accounting for 82.4 percent of total soybean exports in 2018. On an 

annual basis, the Brazilian soybean exports to China usually peak in May and finish by the end of October. 

Nearly 89 percent of Brazilian soybean exports to China originated from Mato Grosso, Paraná, Rio Grande do 

Sul, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Bahia, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, and Maranhão, in 2018.

Brazil average monthly soybean exports to China, 2015-2018

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

2015-2017 0.6 2.5 10.5 12.0 12.8 11.5 9.1 6.2 4.0 2.6 1.6 1.6

2018 1.9 3.1 10.1 10.9 14.2 12.0 11.6 10.1 6.1 7.2 6.9 6.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

Thousand metric ton

2015-2017

2018

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

China’s share of Brazilian soybean exports increased 28 percent to 68.8 mmt in 2018 (valued at US$27.3 

billion), from 53.8 mmt in 2017. Mato Grosso was the top soybean-exporting state to China, followed by 

Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Goiás, and Mato Grosso do Sul.

Top 15 Brazilian soybean exporting states to China, 2016-2018

State

2016 2017 2018

% share

metric ton

Mato Grosso 9,669,725 11,777,815 12,542,481 1

Paraná 7,111,926 9,677,753 12,245,906 2

Rio Grande do Sul 8,280,180 11,683,177 12,318,882 3

Goiás 2,781,661 4,144,828 5,300,831 4

Mato Grosso do Sul 2,419,221 2,971,048 3,987,228 5

Bahia 772,705 2,472,074 3,717,033 6

São Paulo 2,572,214 2,926,939 3,587,082 7

Minas Gerais 1,824,378 2,337,977 3,069,555 8

Santa Catarina 1,164,155 1,472,302 2,245,517 9

Maranhão 513,741 1,307,617 2,074,957 10

Tocantins 617,190 1,450,727 2,036,287 11

Piauí 188,824 580,826 1,389,697 13

Pará 318,454 567,784 806,366 12

Distrito Federal 39,953 209,552 279,377 14

Rondônia 257,295 140,063 141,332 15

Others 13,045,843 14,427,227 17,851,713

Brazil exports to China 38,563,909 53,796,980 68,839,903

Brazil total exports 51,577,465 68,147,705 83,594,243 82.4

Source: Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
47

Top 15 Mato Grosso (MT) soybean exports destinations, 2016-2018

State

2016 2017 2018

% share Rank

metric ton

China 9,669,725 11,777,815 12,542,481 69.6 1

Spain 1,011,000 1,177,825 1,208,445 6.7 2

Turkey 156,856 189,895 884,021 4.9 3

Netherlands 573,992 838,675 840,285 4.7 4

Iran 333,488 490,405 503,935 2.8 5

Thailand 547,487 803,644 495,137 2.7 6

United Kingdom 263,668 329,957 297,400 1.7 7

Norway 253,851 240,625 270,688 1.5 8

Mexico 61,558 132,914 272,165 1.5 9

Portugal 130,677 101,394 227,797 1.3 10

Taiwan 238,936 237,731 184,008 1.0 11

Pakistan 12,704 136,075 187,837 1.0 12

Germany 303,802 47,726 172,447 1.0 13

Russia 508,405 610,694 161,164 0.9 14

Japan 91,636 72,813 162,987 0.9 15

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

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

2016 2017 2018

MT % share of Brazil exports to China 25.1 21.9 18.2

Brazil exports to China 38,563,909 53,796,980 68,839,903

Brazil total exports 51,577,465 68,147,705 83,594,243

China % share of Brazil total exports 74.8 75.2 82.4

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

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

Francisco do Sul, accounting for 73 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports to China. The northeastern ports of São 

Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for nearly 22 percent of exports to China. The Amazon River 

ports of Manaus and Santarém exported less than one percent to China.

Total Brazilian soybean exports by port to China, 2016-2018

Ports

2016 2017 2018

metric ton

Santos 11,825,003 14,183,986 17,673,978

Rio Grande 7,213,409 10,026,648 14,112,061

Paranaguá 8,414,709 11,901,538 13,431,325

São Luís 2,246,318 4,246,740 6,985,773

São Francisco do Sul 3,539,198 3,984,947 5,304,574

Subtotal 33,238,637 44,343,859 57,507,712

Others 5,325,272 824,017 11,332,192

Total exports to China 38,563,909 53,796,980 68,839,903

Brazil total exports 51,577,465 68,147,705 83,594,243

Ports

2016 2017 2018

% share of exports to China

Santos 30.7 26.4 25.7 

Rio Grande 18.7 18.6 20.5 

Paranaguá 21.8 22.1 19.5 

São Luís 5.8 7.9 10.1 

São Francisco do Sul 9.2 7.4 7.7 

Subtotal 86.2 82.4 83.5 

Others 13.8 17.6 16.5 

Total exports to China 100 100 100 

Ports

2016 2017 2018

% share of Brazil total exports

Santos 22.9 20.8 21.1 

Rio Grande 14.0 14.7 16.9 

Paranaguá 16.3 17.5 16.1 

São Luís 4.4 6.2 8.4 

São Francisco do Sul 6.9 5.8 6.3 

Subtotal 64.4 65.1 68.8 

Others 10.3 1.2 13.6 

Total exports to China 74.8 78.9 82.4 

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

Brazil soybean exports to China by port, 2017-2018

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Santos

Rio Grande

Paranaguá

São Luís

São Francisco do Sul

Vitória

Salvador

Barcarena

Imbituba

Manaus

Santarém

Percentage

2018

2017
50

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
51

In 2018, China was the major destination for Brazilian soybeans through the port of Santos, Brazil’s largest 

soybean exporting port, followed by Iran, Thailand, Pakistan, and Taiwan. The peak of soybean shipments to 

China, from Santos, usually occurs March through May. Most of the soybean exports, through Santos, were 

originated from Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Goiás, São Paulo, Distrito Federal, and Mato Grosso do Sul.

Port of Santos soybean exports by country, 2017-2018

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

China

Iran

Thailand

Pakistan

Taiwan

2018

2017

Port of Santos soybean average monthly exports to China, 2015-2018

Source: Secretaria de Comércio Exterior (SECEX)

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

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

2015-2017 2.1 12.6 20.3 15.7 18.9 16.4 9.6 2.4 0.7 0.7 0.4 0.2

2018 1.2 3.8 16.9 11.6 22.7 14.7 12.2 7.4 2.7 2.4 1.2 3.3 Percentage
52

China was the major destination for Brazilian soybeans via the port of Rio Grande followed by Turks and Caicos, 

Russia, Iran, and Vietnam. The peak of soybean shipments to China through the port of Rio Grande is April 

through August. Most of the soybean exports through the Port of Rio Grande originated from Rio Grande do 

Sul, followed by Santa Catarina, Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Goiás.

Port of Rio Grande soybean average monthly exports to China, 2015-2018

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

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

2015-2017 1.3 1.1 4.2 13.0 15.0 14.6 14.8 12.7 9.1 6.4 4.3 3.7

2018 3.5 8.7 9.3 8.8 9.5 10.7 7.7 7.7 14.1 9.5 6.6 3.8

Percentage

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

Netherlands, Vietnam, and Spain. The peak of soybean shipments to China from Paranaguá is March through 

June. More than two-thirds of Paranaguá exports originated from Paraná, followed by Mato Grosso do Sul, 

Mato Grosso, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo.

Port of Paranaguá soybean average monthly exports to China, 2015-2018

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

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

2018 1.8 3.6 8.3 11.7 8.5 14.0 11.2 8.8 7.7 8.2 10.0 6.3

2015-2017 1.7 5.8 14.7 16.1 13.6 12.6 10.5 7.8 5.5 4.0 3.7 3.9

Percentage
53

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

Japan, and Saudi Arabia. São Luís is the top northeastern soybean exporting port, accounting for 9 percent of 

Brazilian total soybean exports, and 10 percent of exports to China, followed by Vitória, Salvador, Barcarena, 

Imbituba, and Manaus. These 4 ports accounted for nearly 22 percent of the total exports to China. About 57 

percent of exports of the port of São Luís originated from Maranhão and Tocantins, followed by Piauí, Mato 

Grosso, Bahia, and Pará.

Port of São Luís average monthly soybean exports to China, 2015-2018

Source: Secretaria de Comércio Exterior (SECEX)

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

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

2015-2017 0.0 5.6 16.0 16.0 15.8 14.4 14.2 6.9 7.6 1.8 1.2 0.5

2018 0.0 1.0 6.8 10.9 13.5 13.2 16.0 12.6 4.3 10.9 3.9 6.8 Percentage
54

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.
55

Major rivers of the Amazonian Basin

 Source: National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ)

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

commercially navigated.

Brazil waterway system

Extension Miles

River-lake surface water 39,060

National river network 27,280

Naturally navigable waterways 17,980 (100%)

Commercial navigations 8,060 (45%)

Vessel owned 1,148

Sources: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) and National Agency for Waterway Transporation (ANTAQ)
56

Brazilian river system

Legend

Navigable stretches

Stretches with little navigation

Obstacles to navigation

Source: National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ)
57

Brazilian river system

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

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

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

Santarem

Manaus

Porto Velho

Caceres

Ladário

River Port

Corumba

Pirapora
58

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
59

Brazilian multimodal transportation system

 Source: Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquavárious
60

Major Brazilian highways

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte
61

The Brazilian highway system extends 969,303 miles (1,563,392 kilometers), with nearly 14 percent paved. The 

United States public roads system consists of 4,146,491 miles (6,673,114 kilometers), with 67 percent paved.

Brazil highway system extension, in miles, 2018

Total % Paved % Unpaved

Federal 47,401 86 14 

State and County 921,902 10 90 

Subtotal 969,303 14 86 

Plan 97,532 

Total 1,720,700

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT)

U.S. highway system mileage and condition, 2017

Extension1 (in miles) % Paved2 % Unpaved2

Rural 2,913,729 55 45 

Urban 1,198,815 95 5 

Total 4,146,491 67 33 

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. Table HM-12 Public road length 

-2017 miles by type of surface and ownership/functional system.

2

Paved includes the following categories: Bituminous -- bituminous, asphalt-concrete (AC) overlay over existing AC pavement; Concrete -- JPCP 

jointed plain concrete pavement, JRCP jointed reinforced concrete pavement, CRCP continuously reinforced concrete pavment; unbonded 

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

over jointed concrete pavement, AC (bituminous overlay over existing CRCP).

Sources: Highway Statistics 2017. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Statistics (Washington, DC: 

Annual Issues), Table HM-12 Public road length in 2017. Public Road Length - 2017 (1) Miles by Type of Surface And Ownership/ Functional 

System National Summary. August 2018. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2017/hm12.cfm. Accesseed 3/21/19
62

Brazilian highways

The 2018 Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) survey of the overall highway conditions in Brazil shows 

that 43 percent of the roads ranged from good to excellent, in 2018, compared to 38.2 percent, in 2017. Still, 

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

were in good to excellent condition; 44.7 percent of traffic road signs had problems; and 85.9 percent of the 

paved roads evaluated were two lanes. The survey sample of paved roads increased 1.3 percent, from 65,605 

miles in 2017, to 66,440 miles in 2018.

Brazilian highway conditions, 2016-2018

11.6 8.9 11.6

30.2 29.3 31.4

34.6

33.6

35.2

17.3 20.1

15.3

6.3 8.1 6.5

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2016 2017 2018

Very Bad

Bad

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

41.8 % 38.2% 43%

58.2% 61.8% 57%

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte

Brazilian paved highway conditions, 2016-2018

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte

44.5 40.3 42.3

7.2 9.7 6.8

35.8 34.0 37.0

9.9 13.2 9.5

2.6 2.8 4.4

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2016 2017 2018

Very Bad

Bad

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

50.9%

49.1%

50%

50%

48.3%

51.7%
63

Brazilian road sign conditions, 2016-2018

Source: Confederação Nacional do Transporte

14.0 9.8 15.2

34.3

31.0

40.1

29.1

32.0

24.5

12.7

14.1

10.0

9.9 13.2 10.2

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2016 2017 2018

Very Bad

Bad

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

40.8%

44.7%

55.3%

51.7%

48.3%

59.2%
64

Brazilian railway expansion: ongoing projects

The Brazilian railroad system consists of 12 railroads with an extension of 18,027 miles, mostly concentrated in 

the South, Southeast, and Northeast. 

Source: National Association of Rail Transporters (ANTF)
65

Brazilian rail system: gauge sizes

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

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

(39”), broad (63”) and mixed (39”-63”). The metric gauge accounts for 76 percent of the 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: National Association of Rail Transporters (ANTF)
66

Reference Material

United States: soybean supply and distribution, 2006/2007—2019/2020**

(1,000 metric tons)

Year* Area 

Harvested

Beginning 

Stocks Production Imports Total Supply Exports Crush Domestic Consumption

Ending 

Stocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 2013/14 30,850 3,825 91,363 1,953 97,141 44,594 47,192 50,043 2,504

 2014/15 33,431 2,504 106,905 904 110,313 50,136 50,975 54,989 5,188

 2015/16 33,080 5,188 106,869 641 112,698 52,869 51,335 54,475 5,354

 2016/17 33,470 5,354 116,931 606 122,891 58,963 51,742 55,720 8,208

 2017/18 36,236 8,208 120,065 594 128,867 58,071 55,926 58,873 11,923

2018/19 35,657 11,923 123,664 463 136,050 46,266 56,744 61,220 28,564

2019/20** 32,078 28,564 104,644 544 133,752 51,029 57,561 61,093 21,630

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

**Forecast, July 11, 2019

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

Soybean production, 2015/2016—2019/2020**

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20**

 Brazil 96,500 114,600 122,000 117,000 123,000

 United States 106,869 116,931 120,065 123,664 104,644

 Argentina 58,800 55,000 37,800 56,000 53,000

 China 12,360 13,644 15,200 15,900 17,000

 India 6,929 10,992 8,350 11,500 10,900

 Paraguay 9,217 10,336 10,300 9,000 10,200

 Canada 6,456 6,597 7,717 7,300 6,200

 Other 19,434 22,482 20,100 22,506 22,098

Total 316,565 350,582 341,532 362,870 347,042

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

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

**Forecast, July 11, 2019

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade/Reports/Oilseeds
67

Soybean imports, 2015/2016—2019/2020**

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20**

 China 83,230 93,495 94,095 85,000 87,000

 European Union 15,120 13,441 14,584 15,800 15,100

 Mexico 4,126 4,126 4,873 5,230 5,800

 Argentina 676 1,674 4,703 6,350 3,900

 Egypt 1,300 2,115 3,255 3,350 3,500

 Thailand 2,798 3,078 2,482 3,150 3,500

 Japan 3,186 3,175 3,256 3,300 3,350

 Indonesia 2,274 2,649 2,483 2,725 2,950

 Taiwan 2,476 2,566 2,666 2,730 2,850

 Turkey 2,283 2,271 2,777 2,600 2,800

 Other 15,877 15,626 17,741 18,592 20,067

 Total 133,346 144,216 152,915 148,827 150,817

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

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

**Forecast, July 11, 2019

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

Soybean exports, 2015/2016—2019/2020**

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20**

 Brazil 54,383 63,137 76,175 77,250 76,000

 United States 52,869 58,963 58,071 46,266 51,029

 Argentina 9,922 7,026 2,112 8,750 8,000

 Paraguay 5,400 6,124 6,029 5,600 6,200

 Canada 4,236 4,592 4,925 5,400 4,200

 Other 5,761 7,659 5,772 6,895 5,830

 Total 132,571 147,501 153,084 150,161 151,259

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

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

**Forecast, July 11, 2019

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade/Reports/Oilseeds
68

Soybean crush, 2015/2016—2019/2020**

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20**

 China 81,500 88,000 90,000 86,000 86,000

 United States 51,335 51,742 55,926 56,744 57,561

 Argentina 43,267 43,309 36,933 41,000 45,000

 Brazil 39,747 40,411 44,515 43,200 43,750

 European Union 14,950 14,400 14,950 16,600 16,000

 India 5,500 9,000 7,700 9,500 9,500

 Mexico 4,400 4,600 5,250 5,500 5,950

 Russia 4,000 4,400 4,600 4,800 5,100

 Paraguay 3,800 3,750 3,870 3,900 3,950

 Egypt 1,150 2,200 3,200 3,300 3,400

 Iran 1,950 2,050 2,700 2,600 2,650

 Bolivia 2,550 2,550 2,300 2,550 2,550

 Pakistan 1,250 1,680 2,300 2,400 2,500

 Japan 2,283 2,392 2,400 2,400 2,430

 Taiwan 1,980 2,045 2,150 2,250 2,350

 Other 15,468 15,268 16,344 18,219 19,162

Total 275,130 287,797 295,138 300,963 307,853

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

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

**Forecast, July 11, 2019

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

Soybean ending stocks, 2015/2016—2019/2020**

(1,000 metric tons)

Country 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20**

Brazil 24,558 33,212 32,700 26,750 27,450

 Argentina 27,156 26,995 23,753 29,450 26,200

 United States 5,354 8,208 11,923 28,564 21,630

 China 17,138 20,663 23,524 21,199 21,374

 European Union 1559 1150 1397 1443 1433

 Other 4,639 5,930 5,798 5,574 6,438

 Total 80,404 96,158 99,095 112,980 104,525

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

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

**Forecast, July 11, 2019

Source: USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Market and Trade/Reports/Oilseeds
69

Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Hamburg, Germany, via U.S. Gulf, 2018

Minneapolis, Minnesota (US$/mt)

2018

1st qtr

2018

2nd qtr

2018

3rd qtr

2018

4th qtr

2018

Average

Truck 13.87 12.06 10.54 12.10 12.14

Rail** 46.37 - - - 46.37

Barge1 13.77 38.14 36.30 31.66 29.97

Ocean2 16.82 20.67 21.06 20.83 19.85

Total transportation 90.83 70.87 67.90 64.59 73.55

Farm price3 346.37 348.21 315.38 312.08 330.51

Landed cost 437.20 419.08 383.28 376.67 404.06

Transport % of landed cost 20.8 16.9 17.7 17.1 18.1

Davenport, Iowa (US$/mt)

2018

1st qtr

2018

2nd qtr

2018

3rd qtr

2018

4th qtr

2018

Average

Truck 13.87 12.06 10.54 12.10 12.14

Rail** 30.92 - - - 30.92

Barge1 13.77 30.79 29.20 24.28 24.51

Ocean2 16.82 20.67 21.06 20.83 19.85

Total transportation 75.38 63.52 60.80 57.21 64.23

Farm price3 359.48 353.35 317.83 313.55 336.05

Landed cost 434.86 416.87 378.63 370.76 400.28

Transport % of landed cost 17.3 15.2 16.06 15.43 16.0

**Rail service is required due to seasonal closure of the Minneapolis segment of the Mississippi River.

1

The Mississippi River closes from Minneapolis to just north of St. Louis during mid-December to late March.

2

Source: O’Neil Commodity Consulting; Excludes handling charges.

3

Source: USDA/NASS
70

Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Shanghai, China, via U.S. Gulf, 2018

Minneapolis, Minnesota (US$/mt)

2018

1st qtr

2018

2nd qtr

2018

3rd qtr

2018

4th qtr

2018

Average

Truck 13.87 12.06 10.54 12.10 12.14

Rail** 46.37 - - - 46.37

Barge1 13.77 38.14 36.30 31.66 29.97

Ocean2 43.41 42.69 44.05 47.52 44.42

Total transportation 117.42 92.89 90.89 91.28 98.12

Farm price3 346.37 348.21 315.58 312.08 330.56

Landed cost 463.79 441.10 406.47 403.36 428.68

Transport % of landed cost 25.3 21.1 22.4 22.6 22.8

Davenport, Iowa (US$/mt)

2018

1st qtr

2018

2nd qtr

2018

3rd qtr

2018

4th qtr

2018

Average

Truck 13.87 12.06 10.54 12.10 12.14

Rail** 30.92 - - - 30.92

Barge1 13.77 30.79 29.20 24.28 24.51

Ocean2 43.41 42.69 44.05 47.52 44.42

Total transportation 101.97 85.54 83.79 83.90 88.80

Farm price3 359.48 353.35 317.83 313.55 336.05

Landed cost 461.45 438.89 401.62 397.45 424.85

Transport % of landed cost 22.1 19.5 20.9 21.1 20.9

**Rail service is required due to seasonal closure of the Minneapolis segment of the Mississippi River.

1

The Mississippi River closes from Minneapolis to just north of St. Louis during mid-December to late March.

2

Source: O’Neil Commodity Consulting; Excludes handling charges

3

Source: USDA/NASS
71

Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. soybeans to Shanghai, China, via PNW, 2018

Fargo, North Dakota (US$/mt)

2018

1st qtr

2018

2nd qtr

2018

3rd qtr

2018

4th qtr

2018

Average

Truck 13.87 12.06 10.54 12.10 12.14

Rail** 54.62 54.62 55.11 56.11 55.12

Ocean1 23.40 23.72 24.26 25.97 24.34

Total transportation 91.89 90.40 89.91 94.18 91.60

Farm price2 333.02 339.39 305.95 299.83 319.55

Landed cost 424.91 429.79 395.86 394.01 411.14

Transport % of landed cost 21.6 21.0 22.7 23.9 22.3

Sioux Falls, South Dakota (US$/mt)

2018

1st qtr

2018

2nd qtr

2018

3rd qtr

2018

4th qtr

2018

Average

Truck 13.87 12.06 10.54 12.10 12.14

Rail** 55.61 55.61 56.11 57.10 56.11

Ocean1 23.40 23.72 24.26 25.97 24.34

Total transportation 92.88 91.39 90.91 95.17 92.59

Farm price2 335.59 344.90 306.20 294.81 320.38

Landed cost 428.47 436.29 397.11 389.98 412.96

Transport % of landed cost 21.7 20.9 22.9 24.4 22.5

**Rail service is required due to seasonal closure of the Minneapolis segment of the Mississippi River.

1

Source: O’Neil Commodity Consulting; Excludes handling charges.

2

Source: USDA/NASS
72

Average quarterly exchange rate, 2012-2018

Quarter Real per US$

1st 1.7701

2nd 1.9641

3rd 2.0288

4th 2.0576

2012 Average 1.9551

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

Source:Banco Central do Brasil
73

Selected quarterly Brazilian farm prices, 2015-2018

(US$/metric ton)*

Quarter Rio Grande 

do Sul

Mato 

Grosso Goiás Paraná Piauí Pará Maranhão

1st 336.85 312.34 329.95 340.69 330.99 357.47 326.75

2nd 360.56 295.94 310.64 333.27 300.93 312.03 310.26

3rd 314.06 285.95 287.19 313.28 314.26 288.72 293.97

4th 314.70 286.43 289.68 305.35 313.41 284.75 326.72

2015 Avg 331.55 295.17 304.36 323.15 314.90 310.74 314.43 

1st 308.73 268.28 278.59 298.84 281.05 264.90 310.69 

2nd 358.57 347.59 337.86 353.78 342.05 329.13 378.45 

3rd 373.12 367.25 359.07 362.80 378.98 384.42 447.42 

4th 352.69 344.51 341.08 347.53 377.05 355.82 370.99 

2016 Avg 348.28 331.91 329.15 340.74 344.78 333.57 376.89 

1st 347.99 314.10 332.40 344.08 210.49 362.30 356.01

2nd 302.06 275.60 281.73 304.50 304.16 313.78 327.17

3rd 317.17 288.62 291.58 313.53 306.34 324.84 340.58

4th 321.99 296.10 302.26 324.03 311.19 339.05 349.81

2017 Avg 322.30 293.60 301.99 321.54 283.05 334.99 343.39

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

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br
74

Major river export routes

Source: National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ)
75

Photo Credits

Photo credits, reading clockwise from the top 

left of the cover:

 

1) Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de 

Queiroz”/ Grupo de Pesquisa e Extensão em 

Logística Agroindustrial (ESALQ-log)

2) USDA

3) USDA

4) The Assesoria de Comunicação dos Portos 

de Paranaguá e Antonina (ASSCOM-APPA)

5) ESALQ-log

6) ESALQ-log

7) IBGE – Produção Agricola Municipal, ESRI, 

Lloyd’s Ports, and World Wildlife Fund.

Map Produced by USDA/FAS/OGA/IPAD