Overview of Brazilian Soybean Transportation in 2021

In 2021, Brazil exported 86.0 million metric tons (mmt) of soybeans, 4 percent more than 2020’s total of 82.9 

mmt—an increase that also raised transportation demand (Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia).1 From 2020 

to 2021, the rise in Brazil’s soybean transportation costs reflected a significant rise in ocean rates (fig. 1 and 

tables 1, 1a, 2, 2a, and 9).2 Ocean rates to Shanghai, China, rose 64-76 percent (from all ports) and doubled 

from the northern ports to Hamburg, Germany. The 2021 ocean rates were the highest levels seen since 

the second quarters of 2007 and 2008. The 2020-21 increases were due to strong demand for shipping bulk 

items. The increases also resulted from tight vessel supply caused by congestion and other pandemic-related 

logistic inefficiencies (Grain Transportation Report, January 20, 2021). The cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of 

soybeans 100 miles by truck decreased from $5.49 per mt in 2020 to $5.29 per mt in 2021 (fig. 1a and table 8). 

This nearly 4-percent drop was mostly due to the Brazilian real’s (R$) depreciation against the U.S. dollar—5 

percent from 2020 to 2021, from R$5.15 per U.S. dollar to R$5.40 per U.S. dollar (Brazil Central Bank). In 

selected routes (except from Paranaguá) of shipping Brazilian soybeans to China, total transportation costs 

as a percentage of total landed costs declined as rising farm prices more than exceeded the increase in total 

transportation costs (tables 1 and 1a). 

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

2 In this report, all described changes are from 2020 to 2021, except where otherwise noted.

Brazil Soybean Transportation

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

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

 2021 Overview

Published February 2022

Figure 1. Brazilian soybean ocean freight from Santos to Shanghai, China, and 

Hamburg, Germany, 2017-21

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

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

Q1_07Q3_07Q1_08Q3_08Q1_09Q3_09Q1_10Q3_10Q1_11Q3_11Q1_12Q3_12Q1_13Q3_13Q1_14Q3_14Q1_15Q3_15Q1_16Q3_16Q1_17Q3_17Q1_18Q3_18Q1_19Q3_19Q1_20Q3_20Q1_21Q3_21

U.S.$ per metric ton

Santos-Shanghai

Santos-Hamburg
Brazil Soybean Transportation

2

Average Brazilian soybean export prices increased 30 percent, from $344 per mt to $449 per mt. Brazilian 

farmers have benefited from the real’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar, because exported soybeans 

are priced in U.S. dollars, but producers are paid in reais. Measured in U.S. dollars, average soybean farm 

gate prices increased 40 percent, from $346.55/mt to $485.13/mt. The depreciation of the real also led to 

higher domestic prices. On average, in reais, farm gate prices increased 46 percent, from R$1,796.88/mt to 

R$2,617.15 (Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento). Typically, Brazilian soybean exports peak in May and 

decline through the end of the year.

In 2021, Brazil exported 60.5 mmt of soybeans to China, valued at $27.2 billion, slightly less than 2020’s total 

(60.6 mmt), accounting for 70 percent of Brazil’s total exports (86.1 mmt). The next highest shares of Brazil’s 

soybean exports (in declining order) went to Spain, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Turkey. 

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 83 percent of Brazil’s total exports. 

The southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São Francisco do Sul still dominate the soybean 

trade to China, collectively accounting for 74 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports to China. Also, in 2021, the 

northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for nearly 25 percent of soybean 

exports to China. The Amazon River ports of Manaus and Santarém exported a small amount to China (mainly 

from Manaus), but exported mostly to the European Union, North America, and Africa. In 2021, the ocean 

freight spread between the Shanghai routes from the northeastern port of São Luís ($57.90/mt) and the port 

of Santos ($53.40/mt) was $4.50/mt (table 9). 

Brazil’s Infrastructure Improvements: An update of selected legislation that facilitates exports of 

agricultural products

Brazil continues to depend heavily on trucks to transport grain to major destinations. This dependence is 

ensured for some time, because of the long distances that separate major production regions from terminals 

for barge and rail. This dependency is further ensured by limited rail and inland waterway infrastructure 

Figure 1a. Brazilian soybean export truck cost index, 2019-21

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

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

US$/metric ton/100 miles

2019

2020

2021

Average 2019: $7.19 Average 2020: $5.49 Average 2021: $5.29
Brazil Soybean Transportation

3

capacity (ESALQ/USP).3 To overcome this limitation, the Brazilian Government enacted a new legal framework 

for railways and changed its cabotage law to enable private-sector investment and increase the Brazilian 

transportation sector’s competitiveness internationally.4

Rail regulations: On December 3, 2021, National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) established a rule governing 

the execution of projects by railroad concessionaires, ANTT Resolution no 5956. The purpose of the law 

is to expedite the technical analysis required for the ANTT to approve infrastructure improvements of the 

Concessionaire’s Interest Projects (PICs) and Third-Party Interest Projects (PITs). 

The PICs are now categorized as:

• Small-scale railway projects are developed within the area covered by the concession, without 

the need for expropriation and with low environmental impact. Examples include the expansion 

of a yard and the installation or relocation or demolition of a Lane Change Device.

• Large-scale railway projects constitute an extension equal to or greater than 6.2 miles (10 

kilometers (km)). Examples include a railway bypass, new stretch, branch, variant or duplication of 

a railway line.

• Special artwork designs include work (for example) on a bridge, railway viaduct, underpass, or 

footbridge.

• Auxiliary installation projects include administrative buildings, filling and washing stations, 

sandpits and wagon, and locomotive workshops. 

• Diverse projects include level crossings, pedestrian crossings, and signaling, as well as control 

systems.

In the case of PICs—for all projects classified as small-scale railways, special artwork designs, auxiliary 

installations, and diverse projects —there will typically be an automatic authorization. In these cases, 

authorization is not granted automatically only where the projects negatively impact the economic balance of 

the contract (as determined by ANTT’s review of the PIC standard application).

In the case of PITs, authorization occurs after project approval by the concessionaire and submission of a 

standard application to ANTT. Most PITs encompass essential public services and structures, such as railway 

crossings; sanitation networks (water supply network, sewage collection network, urban drainage network); 

and transmission lines of electricity, required by third parties (city halls and sanitation and energy companies, 

among others).

BR do Mar Law: On January 10, 2022, the Brazilian Congress approved a cabotage project called “BR do Mar” 

(Road of the Sea), changing the rules to allow foreign ships to compete with Brazilian ones and increasing fleet 

availability to cabotage in the national territory. With “BR do Mar” the Government’s intention is to make the 

cabotage sector more attractive, stimulating competition and lowering costs. According to the Planning and 

Logistics Company (EPL), a public company linked to the Federal Government, cabotage accounts for only 11 

percent of cargo transport in Brazil. Most freight is carried by truck (65 percent). EPL estimates that the BR do 

Mar program can reduce cabotage costs by more than 15 percent; increase containers transported per year 

from 1.2 million containers in 2019 to 2 million in 2022; and expand the fleet dedicated to cabotage by 40 

percent over the next 3 years. For more information, contact Delmy L. Salin at delmy.salin@usda.gov.

3 In Brazil, short-haul movements’ average distance is about 440 miles (707 kilometers (km)) from the farm to rail and barge terminals (ESALQ/

USP). In the United States, the average distance from farm to inland elevators grain elevators terminals is about 25-100 miles (GTOR).

4 Cabotage laws govern foreign maritime activity in domestic coastal trades. Brazil’s updated cabotage law makes the chartering of foreign 

vessels more flexible.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

4

Table 1. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China

2020 2021 % Change 

2020-21

2020 2021 % Change 

2020-21

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 60.65 59.30 -2.2 19.24 18.85 -2.0

Ocean 31.40 53.40 70.1 32.90 53.94 64.0

Total transportation 92.04 112.70 22.4 52.13 72.78 39.6

Farm gate price3 357.23 482.47 35.1 354.57 489.39 38.0

Landed cost 449.27 595.16 32.5 406.70 562.17 38.2

Transport % of landed cost 21.2 18.9 -10.9 13.1 12.9 -1.8

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 21.47 20.64 -3.9 28.48 58.62 105.8

Rail4 32.13 29.69 -7.6 - - -

Ocean 31.40 53.40 70.1 31.40 55.29 76.1

Total transportation 85.00 103.73 22.0 59.88 113.91 90.2

Farm gate price3 357.23 482.47 35.1 331.01 482.47 45.8

Landed cost 442.22 586.19 32.6 390.88 596.37 52.6

Transport % of landed cost 19.9 17.7 -11.4 15.8 19.1 20.6

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

5

Table 1a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans 

from the northern and northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

2020 2021 % Change 

2020-21

2020 2021 % Change 

2020-21

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 39.20 37.91 -3.3 26.83 24.85 -7.4

Ocean 33.66 57.31 70.3 34.02 57.90 70.2

Total transportation 72.86 95.22 30.7 60.85 82.75 36.0

Farm gate price3 357.23 482.47 35.1 353.30 484.89 37.2

Landed cost 430.08 577.69 34.3 414.15 567.63 37.1

Transport % of landed cost 17.6 16.5 -6.3 15.0 14.5 -3.3

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.81 29.15 -2.2 31.72 31.84 0.4

Barge4 - - - 11.94 12.63 5.8

Ocean 34.02 57.90 70.2 34.96 59.55 70.3

Total transportation 63.83 87.05 36.4 78.61 104.02 32.3

Farm gate price3 342.39 475.78 39.0 357.23 482.47 35.1

Landed cost 406.23 562.82 38.5 435.84 586.49 34.6

Transport % of landed cost 16.0 15.5 -3.4 18.7 17.7 -5.4

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 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.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

6

Table 2. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Hamburg, Germany

2020 2021 % Change 

2020-21

2020 2021 % Change 

2020-21

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 60.65 59.30 -2.2 19.24 18.85 -2.0

Ocean 24.75 45.11 82.3 25.13 46.28 84.2

Total transportation 85.40 104.41 22.3 44.36 65.12 46.8

Farm gate price3 357.23 482.47 35.1 354.57 489.39 38.0

Landed cost 442.62 586.88 32.6 398.93 554.51 39.0

Transport % of landed cost 20.0 17.8 -11.2 11.4 11.7 2.6

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 21.47 20.64 -3.9 28.48 58.62 105.8

Rail4 32.13 29.69 -7.6 - - -

Ocean 24.75 45.11 82.3 24.75 44.35 79.2

Total transportation 78.35 95.44 21.8 53.23 102.97 93.4

Farm gate price3 357.23 482.47 35.1 331.01 482.47 45.8

Landed cost 435.58 577.90 32.7 384.24 585.44 52.4

Transport % of landed cost 18.7 16.2 -13.5 14.3 17.6 22.7

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

7

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

northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

2020 2021 % Change 

2020-21

2020 2021 % Change 

2020-21

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 39.20 37.91 -3.3 26.83 24.85 -7.4

Ocean 20.94 42.09 101.0 22.76 48.36 112.5

Total transportation 60.14 80.00 33.0 49.59 73.21 47.6

Farm gate price3 357.23 482.47 35.1 353.30 484.89 37.2

Landed cost 417.37 562.47 34.8 402.89 558.10 38.5

Transport % of landed cost 15.0 14.2 -5.4 12.6 13.1 4.1

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mt--

Truck 29.81 29.15 -2.2 31.72 31.84 0.4

Barge4 - - - 11.94 12.63 5.8

Ocean 22.76 48.36 112.5 20.31 41.00 101.8

Total transportation 52.58 77.51 47.4 63.97 85.47 33.6

Farm gate price3 342.39 475.78 39.0 357.23 482.47 35.1

Landed cost 394.97 553.28 40.1 421.19 567.94 34.8

Transport % of landed cost 13.6 14.0 3.4 15.2 15.0 -0.9

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

In Brazil, there are no 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.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

8

Indicators

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 79 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2019 (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

9

Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China

—2021—

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 60.94 66.24 59.59 50.42 59.30 58.57 65.99 59.53 50.39 58.62

Ocean 37.00 50.60 64.00 62.00 53.40 38.75 52.40 66.00 64.00 55.29

Total transportation 97.94 116.84 123.59 112.42 112.70 97.32 118.39 125.53 114.39 113.91

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47

Landed cost 561.04 612.41 636.91 570.30 595.16 560.42 613.96 638.84 572.28 596.37

Transport % of landed cost 17.5 19.1 19.4 19.7 18.9 17.4 19.3 19.6 20.0 19.1

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 22.18 23.05 19.88 17.44 20.64 19.91 21.09 18.32 16.06 18.85

Rail4 30.95 30.44 30.09 27.27 29.69 - - - - -

Ocean 37.00 50.60 64.00 62.00 53.40 37.25 51.00 64.75 62.75 53.94

Total transportation 90.13 104.10 113.97 106.71 103.73 57.16 72.09 83.07 78.81 72.78

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47 475.64 505.86 497.59 478.45 489.39

Landed cost 553.22 599.67 627.28 564.59 586.19 532.80 577.95 580.66 557.26 562.17

Transport % of landed cost 16.3 17.4 18.2 18.9 17.7 10.7 12.5 14.3 14.1 12.9

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 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. 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 4. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Hamburg, Germany

—2021—

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 60.94 66.24 59.59 50.42 59.30 58.57 65.99 59.53 50.39 58.62

Ocean 31.25 42.70 54.00 52.50 45.11 31.00 41.90 53.00 51.50 44.35

Total transportation 92.19 108.94 113.59 102.92 104.41 89.57 107.89 112.53 101.89 102.97

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47

Landed cost 555.29 604.51 626.91 560.80 586.88 552.67 603.46 625.84 559.78 585.44

Transport % of landed cost 16.6 18.0 18.1 18.4 17.8 16.2 17.9 18.0 18.2 17.6

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 22.18 23.05 19.88 17.44 20.64 19.91 21.09 18.32 16.06 18.85

Rail4 30.95 30.44 30.09 27.27 29.69 - - - -

Ocean 31.25 42.70 54.00 52.50 45.11 32.00 43.80 55.50 53.80 46.28

Total transportation 84.38 96.20 103.97 97.21 95.44 51.91 64.89 73.82 69.86 65.12

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47 475.64 505.86 497.59 478.45 489.39

Landed cost 547.47 591.77 617.28 555.09 577.90 527.55 570.75 571.41 548.31 554.51

Transport % of landed cost 15.4 16.3 16.8 17.5 16.5 9.8 11.4 12.9 12.7 11.7

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

11

Table 5. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

northern and northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

—2021—

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 40.01 42.08 37.51 32.06 37.91 25.06 28.77 25.51 20.06 24.85

Ocean 40.54 55.60 67.50 65.60 57.31 41.00 55.60 68.00 66.00 57.65

Total transportation 80.55 97.68 105.01 97.66 95.22 66.06 84.37 93.51 86.06 82.50

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47 466.73 503.18 501.47 468.17 484.89

Landed cost 543.64 593.25 618.32 555.54 577.69 532.79 587.55 594.97 554.23 567.38

Transport % of landed cost 14.8 16.5 17.0 17.6 16.5 12.4 14.4 15.7 15.5 14.5

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 29.27 34.77 27.33 25.22 29.15 34.86 38.44 29.35 24.71 31.84

Barge4 - - - - - 13.32 12.85 12.11 12.24 12.63

Ocean 41.00 55.60 68.00 66.00 57.65 42.00 58.20 70.00 68.00 59.55

Total transportation 70.27 90.37 95.33 91.22 86.80 90.18 109.49 111.46 104.95 104.02

Farm gate price3 484.07 489.79 483.65 445.58 475.78 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47

Landed cost 554.34 580.17 578.98 536.80 562.57 553.27 605.06 624.78 562.83 586.49

Transport % of landed cost 12.7 15.7 16.5 17.0 15.5 16.3 18.1 17.8 18.6 17.7

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 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. 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 6. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

northern and northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

—2021—

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 40.01 42.08 37.51 32.06 37.91 25.06 28.77 25.51 20.06 24.85

Ocean 28.65 40.00 50.60 49.10 42.09 33.25 45.90 58.00 56.30 48.36

Total transportation 68.66 82.08 88.11 81.16 80.00 58.31 74.67 83.51 76.36 73.21

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47 466.73 503.18 501.47 468.17 484.89

Landed cost 531.75 577.65 601.42 539.04 562.47 525.04 577.85 584.97 544.53 558.10

Transport % of landed cost 12.9 14.2 14.6 15.1 14.2 11.1 12.9 14.3 14.0 13.1

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 29.27 34.77 27.33 25.22 29.15 34.86 38.44 29.35 24.71 31.84

Barge4 - - - - - 13.32 12.85 12.11 12.24 12.63

Ocean 33.25 45.90 58.00 56.30 48.36 28.10 38.90 49.20 47.80 41.00

Total transportation 62.52 80.67 85.33 81.52 77.51 76.28 90.19 90.66 84.75 85.47

Farm gate price3 484.07 489.79 483.65 445.58 475.78 463.10 495.57 513.31 457.88 482.47

Landed cost 546.59 570.47 568.98 527.10 553.28 539.37 585.76 603.98 542.63 567.94

Transport % of landed cost 11.4 14.1 15.0 15.5 14.0 14.1 15.4 15.0 15.6 15.0

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

In Brazil, there are no 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. 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

13

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2021

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 6.91 7.32 6.36 5.58 6.54

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.3 5.12 5.57 5.01 4.24 4.98

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 3.1 4.64 5.23 4.72 3.99 4.65

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 4.9 4.96 5.11 4.54 3.91 4.63

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 3.9 5.07 5.33 4.77 4.07 4.81

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 2.8 7.17 7.15 6.08 5.26 6.42

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.2 6.63 6.27 5.48 5.09 5.87

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.0 6.86 6.94 6.03 5.25 6.27

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 1.7 6.08 5.93 5.23 4.60 5.46

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 5.9 5.28 5.69 5.17 4.30 5.11

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.5 4.69 5.27 4.43 3.77 4.54

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.3 4.58 5.08 4.43 3.77 4.47

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.0 5.68 5.51 4.92 4.23 5.09

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 2.8 5.47 5.60 4.86 4.18 5.03

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 1.2 5.35 5.54 4.92 4.24 5.01

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 1.9 5.72 6.00 5.34 4.57 5.41

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.7 5.84 5.81 4.86 4.32 5.21

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.0 8.74 9.00 7.52 6.46 7.93

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.3 8.46 8.45 7.25 6.27 7.61

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.4 4.61 4.79 4.26 3.65 4.33

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.0 5.42 5.69 4.76 4.21 5.02

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 3.6 4.78 5.34 4.55 3.88 4.64

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 0.0 4.64 4.79 4.22 3.63 4.32

1

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

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.

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 14-
Brazil Soybean Transportation

14

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2021

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 3.2 4.23 5.04 4.54 3.85 4.42

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.7 5.42 6.62 5.98 4.79 5.70

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.5 6.83 7.32 6.37 5.50 6.51

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.8 5.19 5.72 4.37 3.68 4.74

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 6.2 4.55 4.94 4.39 3.77 4.41

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.4 4.57 4.80 4.28 3.66 4.33

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.2 5.20 5.97 5.30 4.17 5.16

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.5 4.83 5.74 4.51 4.16 4.81

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.6 6.61 6.46 5.36 4.77 5.80

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.4 4.51 4.75 4.24 3.62 4.28

Weighted average 587 100.0 5.60 5.94 5.16 4.44 5.29

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 5.81 6.04 5.20 4.57 5.40

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 3.04 2.99 2.95 2.68 2.91

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 153 5.97 4.49 3.51 3.69 4.41

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 600 2.22 2.14 2.02 2.04 2.10

1

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

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.

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

15

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-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

Jan-16 6.42 -5.1 110.63 Jan-20 6.03 1.7 103.90

Feb-16 6.73 4.8 115.98 Feb-20 6.76 12.2 116.52

Mar-16 7.79 15.8 134.33 Mar-20 6.20 -8.2 106.95

Apr-16 8.30 6.5 143.05 Apr-20 5.86 -5.5 101.09

May-16 7.28 -12.3 125.43 May-20 5.26 -10.4 90.58

Jun-16 7.16 -1.5 123.51 Jun-20 5.45 3.7 93.95

Jul-16 7.46 4.2 128.64 Jul-20 5.44 -0.2 93.74

Aug-16 7.33 -1.7 126.41 Aug-20 5.41 -0.4 93.34

Sep-16 6.35 -13.3 109.53 Sep-20 5.58 3.0 96.14

Oct-16 5.88 -7.5 101.35 Oct-20 4.97 -10.8 85.71

Nov-16 5.00 -14.9 86.21 Nov-20 4.58 -7.9 78.95

Dec-16 5.47 9.4 94.32 Dec-20 4.32 -5.8 74.39

Jan-17 7.32 33.8 126.20 Jan-21 4.26 -1.3 73.39

Feb-17 9.85 34.6 169.85 Feb-21 5.60 31.5 96.50

Mar-17 10.38 5.3 178.90 Mar-21 6.93 23.8 119.49

Apr-17 9.52 -8.3 164.05 Apr-21 6.20 -10.5 106.96

May-17 8.75 -8.0 150.90 May-21 5.76 -7.2 99.22

Jun-17 8.18 -6.5 141.04 Jun-21 5.87 2.0 101.22

Jul-17 8.74 6.8 150.66 Jul-21 5.09 -13.4 87.70

Aug-17 9.85 12.7 169.76 Aug-21 5.09 0.1 87.81

Sep-17 8.97 -9.0 154.55 Sep-21 5.31 4.2 91.53

Oct-17 8.64 -3.6 148.93 Oct-21 4.49 -15.5 77.36

Nov-17 8.36 -3.2 144.11 Nov-21 4.28 -4.6 73.80

Dec-17 7.23 -13.5 124.63 Dec-21 4.54 6.0 78.26

*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

16

Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2018-21

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

export transportation routes, 2018-21

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

01/1804/1807/1810/1801/1904/1907/1910/1901/2004/2007/2010/2001/2104/2107/2110/21

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, 2018-21

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

Oct-19

Jan-20

Apr-20

Jul-20

Oct-20

Jan-21

Apr-21

Jul-21

Oct-21

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

17

Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2018-21

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-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

Oct-19

Jan-20

Apr-20

Jul-20

Oct-20

Jan-21

Apr-21

Jul-21

Oct-21

US$/mt/100 miles
Brazil Soybean Transportation

18

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

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

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

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

*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-
Brazil Soybean Transportation

19

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

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

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. 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. 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

*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

20

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, 2018-21

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

transportation routes, 2018-21

• Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2018-21

• 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, 2021

• 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: December 9, 2021 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

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

Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.02-2022>

Photo Credit: USDA

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