1

United States Department of Agriculture

Brazil Soybean Transportation

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

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

2019 Overview

Published March 25, 2020

Overview of Brazilian Soybean Transportation in 2019

During 2019, Brazil exported 74.1 million metric tons (mmt) of soybeans, 

11 percent less than 2018’s total of 83.3 mmt (figure 1)—a decline 

that also reduced transportation demand (Secretariat of Foreign Trade 

(SECEX)). In the selected routes from North Mato Grosso, Northwest 

Rio Grande do Sul, and South Goiás (via Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, 

Santarém, and São Luís) to Shanghai, China, and Hamburg, Germany, 

total transportation costs declined as the lower truck rates offset the 

increase in ocean freight costs (tables 1, 1a, 2, and 2a). The cost of 

shipping a metric ton of soybeans 100 miles by truck decreased 15 

percent from $8.44 in 2018 to $7.19 in 2019 (figure 1a and table 8). 

However, truck rates measured in reais (R$) varied in comparison with 

their estimates in U.S. dollars, reflecting the depreciation of the Brazilian 

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

the completion of the BR 163 road paving project, connecting Sorriso, 

North Mato Grosso to Itaituba, Pará. For example, truck rates from Cruz 

Alta, Rio Grande do Sul to Rio Grande decreased 14 percent. Truck rates 

from Sorriso, North Mato Grosso to the southern port of Santos and 

Contents

Overview of Brazilian 

Soybean Transportation 

in 2019 1

Brazil Soybean 

Transportation Indicators 8

Contact Information 20

Data Sets 20

Subscription Information 20

Related Websites 20

Figure 1. Brazilian soybean export and truck cost declines for selected routes, 2010-19 

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

Source: Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC, University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/

USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

Figure 1. Brazilian soybean export and truck cost declines for selected routes, 2010-19

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

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

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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
2

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Paranaguá decreased 14-16 percent. Truck rates from North MT to Rondonópolis (rail terminal) and to the 

northern river ports of Santarém and Itaituba/Miritituba (barge terminal) decreased 12-18 percent. (For route 

information, see figures 1 and 2 and table 7.) Industry analysts expect transportation costs to reduce further, 

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

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

U.S. dollar (Brazil Central Bank). 

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

of the year, averaging 9-11 percent higher than 2018 ocean freight costs (table 1). Ocean rates to Hamburg, 

Germany, varied, increasing from Santos and declining from Rio Grande and Paranaguá (tables 2 and 9). Ocean 

rates increased because of higher bunker fuel prices, higher Brazilian corn exports, and a strong iron ore 

trade that reduced the availability of Panamax vessels for grain exports at the Brazilian ports (table 9) (Grain 

Transportation Report (GTR)).

In 2019, Brazilian soybean transportation costs to Shanghai, China—as a percentage of total landed costs for 

the routes of North Mato Grosso to Santos and Santarém—slightly decreased in response to lower truck rates 

and farm prices than in 2018 (tables 1 and 2). In Sorriso, North Mato Grosso—the largest Brazilian soybeanproducing State—2019 transportation costs represented 28 percent of the total landed costs of shipping 

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

Brazilian soybean exports peak in May and decline through the end of the year. 

Average Brazilian soybean export prices decreased nearly 12 percent, from $408 per mt to $360 per mt, from 

the same time in 2018 (SECEX). The weakening of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar partially offset the 

nearly 8 percent fall in farm gate prices, from $323.42/mt in 2018 to $297.97/mt in 2019, when measured in 

U.S. dollars (Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)). Soybeans are priced in U.S. dollars but paid 

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

R$1,175.84 in 2019 (CONAB). 

Figure 1a. Brazilian soybean export truck cost index, 2017-19

Note: metric ton=mt.

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

Brazilian soybean export truck cost index, 2017-19

Note: metric ton = mt.

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

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

2017

2018

2019

Average 2019: $7.19 Average 2017: $8.82 Average 2018: $8.44
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Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

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

China received 78 percent of Brazil’s total soybean exports (74 mmt). The next highest shares of Brazil’s 

soybean exports went (in declining order) to Spain, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Iran (SECEX). Of all the 

Brazilian States, Mato Grosso exported the most soybeans in 2019—roughly 21 percent of the national total—

followed by Paraná, Rio Grande Do Sul, Goiás, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Bahia, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. Mato 

Grosso was also the top soybeans exporter to China. 

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

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

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

Francisco do Sul dominate the soybean trade to China, accounting for about 72 percent of Brazil’s soybean 

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

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

percent to China (SECEX). 

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

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

ports had lower loading delays and vessel backups than the Southern ports of Santos and Paranaguá (Salin 

2020). Barcarena had vessel loading delays of 3-4 days, which nearly offset the roughly 3-day-longer voyage 

distance to Shanghai, compared with the ports of Santos and Paranaguá. In 2019, the ocean freight spread was 

about $1-$2/mt for route from the northeastern ports of Barcarena ($34.96/mt) and São Luís ($34.81/mt) to 

Shanghai and the route from the port of Santos ($33.65) to Shanghai (table 9). Ocean freight spread is the cost 

difference between two vessel routes to the same destination. 

Investment Partnership Program (PPI): An update of selected infrastructure project 

priorities that facilitate exports of agricultural products

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

Miritituba is 663 miles (1,067 km), via BR-163 is completed. Currently, it takes about 2 days to ship 

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

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

be held in 2022. The concession is for 10 years.

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

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

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

competitiveness 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 $3.1 

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

complete.

Current status: On October 2020, the Brazilian government plans to announce the auction.

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

Table 1. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to 

Shanghai, China

2018 2019 % Change 

2018-19

2018 2019 % Change 

2018-19

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 91.76 79.28 -13.6 29.20 25.06 -14.2

Ocean 30.31 33.65 11.0 31.06 33.94 9.3

Total transportation 122.08 112.92 -7.5 60.27 58.99 -2.1

Farm gate price3 306.03 285.35 -6.8 333.21 305.56 -8.3

Landed cost 428.11 398.28 -7.0 393.48 364.56 -7.3

Transport % of landed cost 28.5 28.4 -0.4 15.3 16.2 5.7

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

South MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 33.49 27.62 -17.5 43.25 37.34 -13.7

Rail4 43.29 39.98 -7.6 - - -

Ocean 30.31 33.65 11.0 30.31 33.65 11.0

Total transportation 107.10 101.25 -5.5 73.56 70.98 -3.5

Farm gate price3 306.03 285.35 -6.8 312.31 291.46 -6.7

Landed cost 413.13 386.60 -6.4 385.88 362.45 -6.1

Transport % of landed cost 25.9 26.2 1.0 19.1 19.6 2.8

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

Note: mt=metric ton.

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

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Map of Brazilian Northern 

Arc barge routes ports that 

includes: Itacoatiara/Manaus 

(Amazon River), Santarém 

(Amazon River), Barcarena 

(Pará River), Porto Velho 

(MT) and Miritituba (PA) 

(barge terminals) and Marabá 

(planned barge terminal).

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

northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

2018 2019 % Change 

2018-19

2018 2019 % Change 

2018-19

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 58.86 52.04 -11.6 37.60 32.99 -12.3

Ocean 34.81 35.06 0.7 33.89 34.81 2.7

Total transportation 93.67 87.10 -7.0 71.48 67.80 -5.2

Farm gate price3 306.03 285.35 -6.8 333.03 297.05 -10.8

Landed cost 399.70 372.45 -6.8 404.51 364.85 -9.8

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

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

Truck 46.52 39.34 -15.4 - 46.64 -

Barge4 - - - - 18.85 -

Ocean 33.89 34.81 2.7 - 34.96 -

Total transportation 80.41 74.15 -7.8 - 100.45 -

Farm gate price3 306.26 295.87 -3.4 - 285.35 -

Landed cost 386.67 370.02 -4.3 - 385.80 -

Transport % of landed cost 20.8 20.9 0.3 - 26.1 -

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

Note: mt=metric ton.

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

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

Hamburg, Germany

2018. 2019 % Change 

2018-19

2018 2019 % Change 

2018-19

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 91.76 79.28 -13.6 29.20 25.06 -14.2

Ocean 25.25 25.63 1.5 26.25 25.63 -2.4

Total transportation 117.01 104.90 -10.4 55.45 50.68 -8.6

Farm gate price3 306.03 285.35 -6.8 333.21 305.56 -8.3

Landed cost 423.05 390.25 -7.8 388.66 356.25 -8.3

Transport % of landed cost 27.6 26.9 -2.7 14.3 14.2 -0.3

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

South GO1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Truck 33.49 27.62 -17.5 43.25 37.34 -13.7

Rail4 43.29 39.98 -7.6 - - -

Ocean 25.25 25.63 1.5 25.25 25.63 1.5

Total transportation 102.03 93.23 -8.6 68.50 62.96 -8.1

Farm gate price3 306.03 285.35 -6.8 312.31 291.46 -6.7

Landed cost 408.07 378.58 -7.2 380.81 354.42 -6.9

Transport % of landed cost 25.0 24.6 -1.6 18.0 17.8 -1.3

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

Note: mt=metric ton.

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

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

2018 2019 % Change 

2018-19

2018 2019 % Change 

2018-19

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 58.86 52.04 -11.6 37.60 32.99 -12.3

Ocean 23.35 23.42 0.3 19.40 20.34 4.9

Total transportation 82.21 75.45 -8.2 57.00 53.33 -6.4

Farm gate price3 306.03 285.35 -6.8 333.03 297.05 -10.8

Landed cost 388.24 360.81 -7.1 390.02 350.38 -10.2

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

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mt--

Truck 46.52 39.34 -15.4 - 46.64 -

Barge4 - - - - 18.85 -

Ocean 19.40 20.34 4.9 - 21.16 -

Total transportation 65.92 59.68 -9.5 - 86.64 -

Farm gate price3 306.26 295.87 -3.4 - 285.35 -

Landed cost 372.18 355.55 -4.5 - 372.00 -

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

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

Note: mt=metric ton.

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

Marketing Service.
8

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Brazil Soybean Transportation Indic

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

1

Table defining routes by number is shown on page 13.

2

Regions comprised about 80 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2017.

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

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China

—2019—

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

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 73.96 88.37 72.86 79.28 71.05 72.82 87.49 71.77 75.78

Ocean 32.25 30.92 33.25 38.17 33.65 33.75 31.42 34.75 39.50 34.86

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

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

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

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

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 26.49 30.03 24.07 27.62 26.05 24.86 26.82 22.50 25.06

Rail4 41.21 31.39 48.04 39.28 39.98 - - - - -

Ocean 32.25 30.92 33.25 38.17 33.65 31.58 30.25 34.25 39.67 33.94

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

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

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

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

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

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

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

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

Note: Avg.=average.

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

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

Hamburg, Germany

—2019—

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

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 73.96 88.37 72.86 79.28 71.05 72.82 87.49 71.77 75.78

Ocean 23.00 21.50 27.00 31.00 25.63 23.00 21.25 27.00 30.75 25.50

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

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

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

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

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 26.49 30.03 24.07 27.62 26.05 24.86 26.82 22.50 25.06

Rail4 41.21 31.39 48.04 39.28 39.98 - - - - -

Ocean 23.00 21.50 27.00 31.00 25.63 23.00 21.25 27.00 31.25 25.63

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

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

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

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

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

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

Note: Avg.=average.

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

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

ports to Shanghai, China

—2019—

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

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 59.40 47.34 55.66 45.74 52.04 37.04 31.80 36.22 26.89 32.99

Ocean 32.25 30.58 38.25 39.17 35.06 31.00 30.58 38.25 39.42 34.81

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

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

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

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

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 45.24 38.41 41.42 32.28 39.34 53.99 45.66 49.49 37.43 46.64

Barge4 - - - - - 19.66 18.30 20.63 16.79 18.85

Ocean 31.00 30.58 38.25 39.42 34.81 32.25 29.92 38.25 39.42 34.96

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

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

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

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

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

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

Note: Avg.=average.

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

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

ports to Hamburg, Germany

—2019—

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

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 59.40 47.34 55.66 45.74 52.04 37.04 31.80 36.22 26.89 32.99

Ocean 21.00 20.25 25.92 26.50 23.42 18.00 17.10 22.77 23.50 20.34

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

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

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

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

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 45.24 38.41 41.42 32.28 39.34 53.99 45.66 49.49 37.43 46.64

Barge4 - - - - - 19.66 18.30 20.63 16.79 18.85

Ocean 18.00 17.10 22.77 23.50 20.34 19.00 17.85 23.52 24.25 21.16

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

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

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

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

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

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

Note: Avg.=average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
13

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2019

Route 

#

Origin1 

(reference city) Destination Distance (miles)2

Share 

(%)3

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

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

1 Northwest RS5 (Cruz Alta) Rio Grande 288 12.0 9.05 8.63 9.31 7.81 8.70

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

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 2.8 5.63 5.77 6.93 5.69 6.00

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.1 7.29 5.89 6.75 5.51 6.36

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.1 6.15 6.03 7.06 5.81 6.26

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.3 8.86 8.40 9.06 7.47 8.45

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.6 7.96 7.76 8.48 7.11 7.83

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.1 10.13 8.11 9.02 7.37 8.66

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 2.5 7.45 7.00 7.86 6.47 7.19

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 5.6 7.03 6.48 7.41 6.02 6.74

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.5 6.23 5.60 6.61 5.34 5.94

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.3 5.21 5.26 6.35 5.09 5.48

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.3 6.48 6.33 7.28 5.99 6.52

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.1 7.67 6.20 7.21 5.90 6.75

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 1.7 7.76 6.29 7.27 5.98 6.82

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

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

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.1 12.15 10.87 11.15 9.18 10.84

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

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.3 6.79 5.44 6.29 5.17 5.92

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

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 3.4 7.04 5.71 6.84 5.56 6.29

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

1

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

2

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

3

Share is measured as a percentage of total production.

4

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

5

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

MA=Maranhão, PA=Pará, and TO=Tocantins.

6

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

terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers. 

7

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

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

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

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

-continued on page 14-
14

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2019

Route 

#

Origin1 

(reference city) Destination Distance (miles)2

Share 

(%)3

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

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

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 3.0 6.04 5.66 6.66 5.54 5.97

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.7 9.40 8.31 8.47 6.91 8.27

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.8 11.75 10.44 11.81 7.48 10.37

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.3 8.04 6.80 7.37 5.57 6.94

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

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

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 1.9 7.69 6.60 7.52 5.58 6.85

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.2 7.47 6.34 6.84 5.33 6.49

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

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.1 6.43 5.36 6.68 5.54 6.00

Weighted average 587 100.0 7.75 6.94 7.75 6.30 7.19

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 7.83 6.93 7.86 6.30 7.23

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 4.04 3.08 4.71 3.86 3.92

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

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

1

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

2

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

3

Share is measured as a percentage of total production.

4

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

5

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

MA=Maranhão, PA=Pará, and TO=Tocantins.

6

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

terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers. 

7

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

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

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

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
15

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 8. Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index

Month Freight price

(US$/mt/100 miles)

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

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

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan-05=100)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Weighted average. 

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
16

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2017-19

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

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

Figure 4. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2017-19

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

$13

$14

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

US$/mt /100 miles

Western Center PR to Paranaguá

North MT to Paranaguá

Southwest MS to Paranaguá

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

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

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

Oct-19

US$/mt/100 miles

North MT

(Sorriso) to

Santos

North MT to

Paranaguá

North MT

(Sorriso) to

Santarém

North MT

(Sorriso) to

Itaituba

 South MA

(Balsas) to São

Luís
17

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2017-19

Note: mt=metric ton.

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

2005 and 2006

basis

$0

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

Oct-19

US$/mt/100 miles
18

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2013 2nd qtr .2013 3rd qtr .2013 4th qtr .2013

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

Paranagua Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 52.34 34.50 34.50 42.50

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 56.03 36.75 36.75 46.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 51.34 35.25 35.25 44.25

Port Destination 1st qtr .2014 2nd qtr. 2014 3rd qtr .2014 4th qtr .2014

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 30.00 26.00 24.00

Paranagua Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 30.00 28.00 26.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 30.00 24.50 22.50

Santos China (Shanghai) 44.83 38.07 34.00 30.50

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 47.22 41.13 36.00 32.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 44.83 38.75 32.50 30.50

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 14.50 13.50 20.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 18.25 16.38 20.50

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 16.00 15.20 21.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 29.50 22.50 23.25 20.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 31.50 23.50 24.18 20.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 29.50 25.00 25.75 21.00

Santarém China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

São Luís China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 16.00 17.00 16.50 24.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 11.03 14.13 15.00 19.80

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 8.25 11.00 11.80 15.80

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 9.60 12.45 13.20 17.35

Santos China (Shanghai) 17.50 16.50 12.50 20.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 18.00 18.50 14.50 21.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 18.50 17.00 13.00 20.50

Santarém China (Shanghai) 22.00 21.00 19.40 23.75

São Luís China (Shanghai) 20.00 18.40 17.50 22.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 22.50 21.50 20.00 23.75

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

the shipped volume. 

Note: qtr.=quarter.

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

-continued on page 19-
19

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 23.60 25.00 26.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 17.60 20.00 21.20 22.00

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 18.00 20.60 21.80 22.70

Santos China (Shanghai) 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 20.50 30.50 31.00 31.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 18.00 29.50 31.00 30.70

Santarém China (Shanghai) 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50

São Luís China (Shanghai) 23.50 30.25 31.00 33.50

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 27.00 25.00 24.00 25.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 25.00 22.90 22.50 23.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 19.10 18.50 19.00

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 20.90 20.20 20.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 32.50 31.00 27.75 30.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 32.00 32.00 28.75 31.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 33.00 31.50 28.25 31.50

Santarém China (Shanghai) 38.50 35.50 31.25 34.00

São Luís China (Shanghai) 37.00 34.80 30.75 33.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 37.50 33.80 32.25 35.00

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.50 27.00 31.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 27.00 30.75

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 27.00 31.25

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 20.25 25.92 26.50

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 18.00 17.10 22.77 23.50

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 19.00 17.85 23.52 24.25

Santos China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.92 33.25 38.17

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 33.75 31.42 34.75 39.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 31.58 30.25 34.25 39.67

Santarém China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.58 38.25 39.17

São Luís China (Shanghai) 31.00 30.58 38.25 39.42

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 32.25 29.92 38.25 39.42

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

the shipped volume. 

Note: qtr.=quarter.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
20

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Contact Information:

Delmy L. Salin

Senior Economist, Project Manager

delmy.salin@usda.gov

202.720.0833

Jessica Ladd

Graphic Analyst

jessica.ladd@usda.gov

202.720.6494

Data Sets (XLS files):

• Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2017-19

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

transportation routes, 2017-19

• Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2017-19

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

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

to Shanghai, China

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

Germany

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

to Hamburg, Germany

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

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

Germany

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

to Shanghai, China

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

to Hamburg, Germany

• Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2019

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

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

and China (US$/metric ton)

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

Related Websites:

• Soybean Transportation Guide: Brazil 2018 (pdf)

• Prior Articles: Brazil Soybean Transportation

• Related Articles: Grain Transportation Report: November 4, 2019 (pdf)

Preferred Citation:

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

Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.03-2020>

Photo Credit: USDA

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