New Center-West Rail and Truck Brazilian Soybean Export Route

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and the ESALQ-LOG Group expanded the scope of the AMS 

quarterly Brazilian Soybean Transportation indicator report to better reflect Brazil’s transportation agricultural 

infrastructure improvements, which enhance the country’s competitiveness in the world market. These 

changes replace and add routes through the southern Port of Santos and the northeastern Port of São Luís to 

Shanghai, China, and Hamburg, Germany (figures 1, 2, 4 and tables 1, 3, 7, and 9). 

Specifically, the changes are as follows. Route #15 by truck, from Canarana, Northeast Mato Grosso, to the Port 

of São Luís replaces the route from Assis Chateaubriand, West Paraná, to the Port of Santos. In 2021, São Luís 

accounted for 7.2 percent of Mato Grosso soybean exports (Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia).1 Route #38, 

an intermodal truck-rail export route, from Rio Verde, South Goiás, to the Port of Santos is newly added. The 

Rio Verde rail terminal is operated by Rumo Logistics’ new rail network called “Malha Central.” This is part of 

the North-South Railroad that 

started operations in June 

2021 and handled around 

1.2 million metric tons (mmt) 

of grain that year (Agência 

Nacional de Transportes 

Terrestres 2022). In Brazil, 

there are no published 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 

(ESALQ-LOG).

The indicator report includes 

22 regions in 11 States, 

representing 81 percent 

of the total 2020 Brazilian 

soybean production (figures 

1 In this report, the source of 

Brazil export data is the Comex Stat, 

Ministério da Economia.

Figure 1. Southern ports exported 61 percent of Brazilian soybeans, 

January-March 2022

World Wildlife Fund.

Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - Produção Agricola Municipal.

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

Brazil Soybean Transportation

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

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

 First Quarter 2022 (January, February, March)

Published July 2022
Brazil Soybean Transportation

2

1 and 3). The revamped Brazilian Soybean Transportation indicator report now includes 38 export routes 

through the Ports of Santos, Paranaguá, Rio Grande, Santarém, São Luís, and Barcarena to Shanghai, China, and 

Hamburg, Germany. Truck freight rates correspond to actual values negotiated between shippers and carriers, 

including tolls, but excluding insurance and taxes. 

The ocean freight rates from the “Sistema de Informações de Fretes, SIFRECA, ESALQ – USP” correspond to 

actual values negotiated between shippers and carriers, but do not include insurance and handling costs. 

These rates are averaged according to the weights of the shipped volumes. 

From first quarter 2021 to first quarter 2022 (year to year), Brazilian soybean exports increased from 15.4 mmt 

to 21 mmt. Year to year, the cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of soybeans 100 miles by truck rose nearly 33 

percent from $5.60 per mt to $7.43 per mt (table 8). This increase also partially reflects the nearly 5-percent 

appreciation of the Brazilian real (R$) against the U.S. dollar and higher fuel prices. Brazil’s domestic average 

diesel prices increased 46 percent compared to the same period in 2021. The Brazilian real appreciated against 

the U.S. dollar, from R$5.48 per U.S. dollar to R$5.22 per U.S. dollar (Brazil Central Bank). In the State of Mato 

Grosso, higher transportation costs and farm gate prices led to higher costs for transporting Brazilian soybeans 

from the southern ports to Shanghai and Hamburg. As a share of total landed costs, transportation costs from 

northern Mato Grosso to Santos, Paranaguá, and Rio Grande increased 15-21 percent (tables 1 and 2). 

Year to year, average Brazilian soybean export prices rose by 31 percent, from $393.16 per mt to $513.27 per 

mt. Despite this year’s appreciation of the real, Brazilian farmers are still benefitting from the real’s relative 

weakness against the U.S. dollar. This is because soybeans are priced in U.S. dollars but paid in reais. Measured 

in U.S. dollars, soybean average farm gate prices increased 20 percent, from $473.15/mt to $569.06/mt year 

to year. On average, in reais, first-quarter 2022 farm gate prices increased 14 percent, from R$2,589.04/mt to 

R$2,958.15/mt (CONAB). 

In first quarter 2022, Brazil exported 14.8 mmt of soybeans to China, 34 percent more than the first quarter 

2021 total of nearly 11 mmt. The next highest shares of Brazil’s soybean exports (in declining order) went 

to Spain, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Turkey. The southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and 

São Francisco do Sul still dominate the soybean trade to China, accounting for 73 percent of Brazil’s soybean 

exports to China. Also, in the first 3 months of 2022, the northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and 

Barcarena accounted for 26 percent of soybean exports to China. The Amazon River port of Manaus exported a 

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

3

Table 1. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change 

2021

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

2021

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

Truck 60.94 83.64 37.2 19.91 27.55 38.3

Ocean 37.00 62.00 67.6 37.25 62.75 68.5

Total transportation 97.94 145.64 48.7 57.16 90.30 58.0

Farm gate price3 463.10 550.71 18.9 475.64 604.37 27.1

Landed cost 561.04 696.34 24.1 532.80 694.66 30.4

Transport % of landed cost 17.5 20.9 19.8 10.7 13.0 21.2

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2021

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

 2021-22

2021

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

Truck 22.18 27.91 25.8 58.57 82.88 41.5

Rail4 30.95 37.69 21.8 - - -

Ocean 37.00 62.00 67.6 38.75 64.00 65.2

Total transportation 90.13 127.60 41.6 97.32 146.88 50.9

Farm gate price3 463.10 550.71 18.9 463.10 550.71 18.9

Landed cost 553.22 678.31 22.6 560.42 697.58 24.5

Transport % of landed cost 16.3 18.8 15.5 17.4 21.1 21.2

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

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

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

4

Table 1a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans 

from the northern and northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

North MT1 - Santarém2 South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

 2021-22

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

Truck 40.01 53.57 33.9 25.06 38.28 52.8

Ocean 40.54 66.00 62.8 41.00 66.20 61.5

Total transportation 80.55 119.57 48.4 66.06 104.48 58.2

Farm gate price3 463.10 550.71 18.9 466.73 558.85 19.7

Landed cost 543.64 670.27 23.3 532.79 663.33 24.5

Transport % of landed cost 14.8 17.8 20.4 12.4 15.8 27.0

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

Truck 29.27 38.32 30.9 34.86 46.94 34.6

Barge4 - - - 16.37 20.01 22.2

Ocean 41.00 66.20 61.5 42.00 68.00 61.9

Total transportation 70.27 104.52 48.7 93.23 134.95 44.7

Farm gate price3 484.07 543.56 12.3 463.10 550.71 18.9

Landed cost 554.34 648.08 16.9 556.33 685.66 23.2

Transport % of landed cost 12.7 16.1 27.2 16.8 19.7 17.4

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

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

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

5

Table 2. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Hamburg, Germany

North MT1 - Santos2 Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

Truck 60.94 83.64 37.2 19.91 27.55 38.3

Ocean 31.25 52.70 68.6 32.00 54.00 68.8

Total transportation 92.19 136.34 47.9 51.91 81.55 57.1

Farm gate price3 463.10 550.71 18.9 475.64 604.37 27.1

Landed cost 555.29 687.04 23.7 527.55 685.91 30.0

Transport % of landed cost 16.6 19.8 19.5 9.8 11.9 20.8

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

Truck 22.18 27.91 25.8 58.57 82.88 41.5

Rail4 30.95 37.69 21.8 - - -

Ocean 31.25 52.70 68.6 31.00 51.50 66.1

Total transportation 84.38 118.30 40.2 89.57 134.38 50.0

Farm gate price3 463.10 550.71 18.9 463.10 550.71 18.9

Landed cost 547.47 669.01 22.2 552.67 685.08 24.0

Transport % of landed cost 15.4 17.7 14.7 16.2 19.6 21.0

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

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

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

6

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

northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

North MT1 - Santarém2 South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

Truck 40.01 53.57 33.9 25.06 38.28 52.8

Ocean 28.65 49.10 71.4 33.25 56.50 69.9

Total transportation 68.66 102.67 49.5 58.31 94.78 62.6

Farm gate price3 463.10 550.71 18.9 466.73 558.85 19.7

Landed cost 531.75 653.37 22.9 525.04 653.63 24.5

Transport % of landed cost 12.9 15.7 21.7 11.1 14.5 30.6

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

2021 

1st qtr.

2022

1st qtr.

2021-22

Truck 29.27 38.32 30.9 34.86 46.94 34.6

Barge4 - - - 16.37 20.01 22.2

Ocean 33.25 56.50 69.9 28.10 48.00 70.8

Total transportation 62.52 94.82 51.7 79.33 114.95 44.9

Farm gate price3 484.07 543.56 12.3 463.10 550.71 18.9

Landed cost 546.59 638.38 16.8 542.43 665.66 22.7

Transport % of landed cost 11.4 14.9 29.9 14.6 17.3 18.1

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 published barge rates. Barge rates can be up to 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and the 

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

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

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

7

Indicators

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

1

Table defining routes by number is shown on page 12.

2

Regions comprised about 79 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2020 (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics—Produção Agricola 

Municipal).

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

8

Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China, 2022

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 83.64 83.64 82.88 82.88

Ocean 62.00 62.00 64.00 64.00

Total transportation 145.64 145.64 146.88 146.88

Farm gate price3 550.71 550.71 550.71 550.71

Landed cost 696.34 696.34 697.58 697.58

Transport % of landed cost 20.9 20.91 21.1 21.06

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 27.91 27.91 27.55 27.55

Rail4 37.69 37.69 - -

Ocean 62.00 62.00 62.75 62.75

Total transportation 127.60 127.60 90.30 90.30

Farm gate price3 550.71 550.71 604.37 604.37

Landed cost 678.31 678.31 694.66 694.66

Transport % of landed cost 18.8 18.81 13.0 13.00

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

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

terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

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

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

9

Table 4. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Hamburg, Germany, 2022

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 83.64 83.64 82.88 82.88

Ocean 52.70 52.70 51.50 51.50

Total transportation 136.34 136.34 134.38 134.38

Farm gate price3 550.71 550.71 550.71 550.71

Landed cost 687.04 687.04 685.08 685.08

Transport % of landed cost 19.8 19.8 19.6 19.6

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 27.91 27.91 27.55 27.55

Rail4 37.69 37.69 - -

Ocean 52.70 52.70 54.00 54.00

Total transportation 118.30 118.30 81.55 81.55

Farm gate price3 550.71 550.71 604.37 604.37

Landed cost 669.01 669.01 685.91 685.91

Transport % of landed cost 17.7 17.7 11.9 11.9

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

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

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

10

Table 5. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

northern and northeastern ports to Shanghai, China, 2022

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 53.57 53.57 38.28 38.28

Ocean 66.00 66.00 66.20 66.20

Total transportation 119.57 119.57 104.48 104.48

Farm gate price3 550.71 550.71 558.85 558.85

Landed cost 670.27 670.27 663.33 663.33

Transport % of landed cost 17.8 17.8 15.8 15.8

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 38.32 38.32 46.94 46.94

Barge4 - - 20.01 20.01

Ocean 66.20 66.20 68.00 68.00

Total transportation 104.52 104.52 134.95 134.95

Farm gate price3 543.56 543.56 550.71 550.71

Landed cost 648.08 648.08 685.66 685.66

Transport % of landed cost 16.1 16.1 19.7 19.7

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

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

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

11

Table 6. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

northern and northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany, 2022

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 53.57 53.57 38.28 38.28

Ocean 49.10 49.10 56.50 56.50

Total transportation 102.67 102.67 94.78 94.78

Farm gate price3 550.71 550.71 558.85 558.85

Landed cost 653.37 653.37 653.63 653.63

Transport % of landed cost 15.7 15.7 14.5 14.5

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 38.32 38.32 46.94 46.94

Barge4 - - 20.01 20.01

Ocean 56.50 56.50 48.00 48.00

Total transportation 94.82 94.82 114.95 114.95

Farm gate price3 543.56 543.56 550.71 550.71

Landed cost 638.38 638.38 665.66 665.66

Transport % of landed cost 14.9 14.9 17.3 17.3

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

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

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

12

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2022

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 6.7 9.56 9.56

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.3 7.03 7.03

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 3.1 6.57 6.57

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.1 6.65 6.65

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.1 6.79 6.79

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.4 9.14 9.14

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.5 8.46 8.46

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.3 9.03 9.03

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 4.1 7.91 7.91

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 6.1 7.25 7.25

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.5 6.30 6.30

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.3 6.08 6.08

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.6 6.99 6.99

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.4 6.97 6.97

15 Northeast MT (Canarana) São Luís 1,177 2.0 7.23 7.23

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 2.1 7.71 7.71

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.8 7.46 7.46

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.1 11.07 11.07

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.5 10.42 10.42

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.6 6.11 6.11

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.5 7.41 7.41

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 2.5 6.47 6.47

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 1.3 6.15 6.15

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 published rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be up to 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on the volumes hauled and 

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

7

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

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

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

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

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

-continued on page 13-
Brazil Soybean Transportation

13

Route 

#

Origin1 

(reference city)

Destination

Distance 

(miles)2

Share 

(%)3

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

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

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 2.2 6.42 6.42

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 1.4 8.51 8.51

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.8 7.70 7.70

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.8 6.99 6.99

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 6.1 6.43 6.43

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.4 6.11 6.11

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.1 7.95 7.95

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.4 6.33 6.33

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.6 8.42 8.42

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.4 6.05 6.05

Weighted average 587 100.0 7.43 7.43

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 7.31 7.31

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 3.70 3.70

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 224 4.95 4.95

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 738 2.71 2.71

38 South GO (Rio Verde) São Luís 546 4.97 4.97

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 published rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be up to 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on the volumes hauled and 

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

7

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

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

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

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

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

14

Table 8. Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index

Month Freight price

(US$/mt/100 miles)

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan-05=100)

Jan-15 8.01 0.7 138.15

Feb-15 8.02 0.1 138.29

Mar-15 8.32 3.7 143.44

Apr-15 9.00 8.2 155.13

May-15 8.39 -6.8 144.58

Jun-15 8.01 -4.5 138.12

Jul-15 7.56 -5.7 130.25

Aug-15 7.38 -2.4 127.15

Sep-15 6.60 -10.5 113.78

Oct-15 6.70 1.5 115.43

Nov-15 7.08 5.8 122.08

Dec-15 6.76 -4.5 116.56

Jan-16 6.42 -5.1 110.63

Feb-16 6.73 4.8 115.98

Mar-16 7.79 15.8 134.33

Apr-16 8.30 6.5 143.05

May-16 7.28 -12.3 125.43

Jun-16 7.16 -1.5 123.51

Jul-16 7.46 4.2 128.64

Aug-16 7.33 -1.7 126.41

Sep-16 6.35 -13.3 109.53

Oct-16 5.88 -7.5 101.35

Nov-16 5.00 -14.9 86.21

Dec-16 5.47 9.4 94.32

Jan-17 7.32 33.8 126.20

Feb-17 9.85 34.6 169.85

Mar-17 10.38 5.3 178.90

Apr-17 9.52 -8.3 164.05

May-17 8.75 -8.0 150.90

Jun-17 8.18 -6.5 141.04

Jul-17 8.74 6.8 150.66

Aug-17 9.85 12.7 169.76

Sep-17 8.97 -9.0 154.55

Oct-17 8.64 -3.6 148.93

Nov-17 8.36 -3.2 144.11

Dec-17 7.23 -13.5 124.63

Jan-18 7.59 5.0 130.90

Feb-18 8.65 13.9 149.04

Mar-18 10.59 22.5 182.61

Apr-18 9.78 -7.7 168.59

May-18 8.96 -8.4 154.45

Jun-18 8.89 -0.8 153.24

Jul-18 8.97 0.9 154.58

Aug-18 8.24 -8.1 142.00

Sep-18 7.24 -12.1 124.78

Oct-18 7.69 6.2 132.55

Nov-18 7.51 -2.3 129.44

Dec-18 7.19 -4.3 123.87

Month Freight price

(US$/mt/100 miles) 

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan-05=100)

Jan-19 7.72 7.5 133.13

Feb-19 8.19 6.0 141.15

Mar-19 7.34 -10.3 126.61

Apr-19 7.16 -2.6 123.35

May-19 6.73 -5.9 116.02

Jun-19 6.94 3.1 119.56

Jul-19 8.33 20.1 143.60

Aug-19 7.85 -5.8 135.23

Sep-19 7.09 -9.7 122.17

Oct-19 6.57 -7.4 113.19

Nov-19 6.41 -2.3 110.54

Dec-19 5.93 -7.5 102.21

Jan-20 6.03 1.7 103.90

Feb-20 6.76 12.2 116.52

Mar-20 6.20 -8.2 106.95

Apr-20 5.86 -5.5 101.09

May-20 5.26 -10.4 90.58

Jun-20 5.45 3.7 93.95

Jul-20 5.44 -0.2 93.74

Aug-20 5.41 -0.4 93.34

Sep-20 5.58 3.0 96.14

Oct-20 4.97 -10.8 85.71

Nov-20 4.58 -7.9 78.95

Dec-20 4.32 -5.8 74.39

Jan-21 4.26 -1.3 73.39

Feb-21 5.60 31.5 96.50

Mar-21 6.93 23.8 119.49

Apr-21 6.20 -10.5 106.96

May-21 5.76 -7.2 99.22

Jun-21 5.87 2.0 101.22

Jul-21 5.09 -13.4 87.70

Aug-21 5.09 0.1 87.81

Sep-21 5.31 4.2 91.53

Oct-21 4.49 -15.5 77.36

Nov-21 4.28 -4.6 73.80

Dec-21 4.54 6.0 78.26

Jan-22 5.94 30.9 102.42

Feb-22 7.77 30.8 134.02

Mar-22 8.59 10.4 147.99

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

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

freight index. 

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

15

Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020-22

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

export transportation routes, 2020-22

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

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

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

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

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

$13

$14

01/2004/2007/2010/2001/2104/2107/2110/2101/22

US$/mt /100 miles

Western Central PR to Paranaguá

Southwest MS to Paranaguá

North MT to Paranaguá

Figure 4. Truck rates for selected north, south, and northeastern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020-22

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

Jan-20

Apr-20

Jul-20

Oct-20

Jan-21

Apr-21

Jul-21

Oct-21

Jan-22

US$/mt/100 miles

North MT (Sorriso) to

Santos

North MT to

Paranaguá

North MT (Sorriso) to

Santarém

North MT (Sorriso) to

Itaituba

 South MA (Balsas) to

São Luís
Brazil Soybean Transportation

16

Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2020-22

Note: mt = metric ton.

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

$0

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

Jan-20

Apr-20

Jul-20

Oct-20

Jan-21

Apr-21

Jul-21

Oct-21

Jan-22

US$/mt/100 miles
Brazil Soybean Transportation

17

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

China (US$/metric ton)*

Port Destination 1st qtr. 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

-continued on page 18-

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.50 27.00 31.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 27.00 30.75

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 27.00 31.25

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 20.25 25.92 26.50

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 18.00 17.10 22.77 23.50

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 19.00 17.85 23.52 24.25

Santos China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.92 33.25 38.17

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 33.75 31.42 34.75 39.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 31.58 30.25 34.25 39.67

Santarém China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.58 38.25 39.17

São Luís China (Shanghai) 31.00 30.58 38.25 39.42

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 32.25 29.92 38.25 39.42

Port Destination 1st qtr. 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
Brazil Soybean Transportation

18

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 31.25 42.70 54.00 52.50

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 41.90 53.00 51.50

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 32.00 43.80 55.50 53.80

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 28.65 40.00 50.60 49.10

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 33.25 45.90 58.00 56.30

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 28.10 38.90 49.20 47.80

Santos China (Shanghai) 37.00 50.60 64.00 62.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 38.75 52.40 66.00 64.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 37.25 51.00 64.75 62.75

Santarém China (Shanghai) 40.54 55.60 67.50 65.60

São Luís China (Shanghai) 41.00 56.60 68.00 66.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 42.00 58.20 70.00 68.00

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 29.25 20.50 24.00 25.25

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 21.50 25.00 25.35

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 29.50 20.75 24.50 25.75

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 25.00 16.00 20.75 22.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 22.25 17.50 25.00 26.30

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 24.00 15.00 20.50 21.75

Santos China (Shanghai) 35.50 27.08 31.33 31.67

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 37.25 28.83 33.08 33.42

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 37.00 28.58 32.83 33.17

Santarém China (Shanghai) 36.50 28.08 34.83 35.21

São Luís China (Shanghai) 36.75 28.33 35.33 35.67

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 38.50 28.33 36.33 36.67

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 52.70 

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 51.50 

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 54.00 

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 49.10 

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 56.50 

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 48.00 

Santos China (Shanghai) 62.00 

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 64.00 

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 62.75 

Santarém China (Shanghai) 66.00 

São Luís China (Shanghai) 66.20 

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 68.00 

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

the shipped volume. 

Note: qtr. = quarter.

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

19

Contact Information:

Delmy L. Salin

Senior Economist, Project Manager

delmy.salin@usda.gov

202.720.0833

Jessica Ladd

Supervisory Visual Information Specialist

jessica.ladd@usda.gov

202.720.6494

Data Sets (XLS files):

• Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020-22

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

transportation routes, 2020-22

• Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2020-22

• 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, 2022

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

Germany, 2022

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

to Shanghai, China, 2022

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

to Hamburg, Germany, 2022

• Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2022

• 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 2020 (PDF)

• Prior Articles: Brazil Soybean Transportation

• Related Articles: Grain Transportation Report: June 23, 2022 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

Salin, Delmy. Brazil Soybean Transportation. July 2022. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 

Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.07-2022>

Photo Credit: USDA

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