Brazilian Policy Reduces Fuel Prices—Lowering Truck Rates for Brazilian Soybean Exports 

Although third quarter 2022 soybean export truck rates declined with falling diesel prices (figs. 1a, 1b, and 

table 8), they remained high compared to the same time last year. From third quarter 2021 to third quarter 

2022 (year to year) (table 8 and fig. 5), the cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of soybeans 100 miles by truck 

rose nearly 66 percent—from $5.16 per mt to $8.57 per mt. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography 

and Statistics (IBGE), fuel prices declined in response to lower state taxes and a reduction in the average 

price of fuel sold to distributors by the state-run oil firm Petrobras.1 Ocean freight rates fell because of slow 

global trade volumes and easing of global supply chain disruptions. In addition, China’s slower-than-expected 

economic growth—partly a result of continued weakness in mainland China’s real estate sector and COVID-19 

restrictions—also contributed to lower ocean rates (CNBC and Grain Transportation Report (GTR), November 

10, 2022). On average, ocean rates from selected Brazilian export routes to Hamburg, Germany, declined 9-31 

percent and to Shanghai, China, fell 17-26 percent (tables 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and 9). 

1 In June, the Brazilian Government reduced the tax on “circulation of goods and services” (ICMS) by establishing a cap of 17-18 percent on 

fuel, electricity, public transportation, and telecommunications (IBEG and Bloomberg).

Figure 1a. Third-quarter 2022 truck rates fell from previous quarter for Brazilian soybean exports 

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia,University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”

 (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

Brazil Soybean Transportation

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

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

Third Quarter 2022 (July, August, September)

Published November 2022

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2.00

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Truck rates in US$/metric ton per 100 miles

Soybean exports in million metric tons

Monthly soybean exports

Monthly soybean export truck rates

Government initiated reduction in fuel prices and state taxes
Brazil Soybean Transportation

2

Year to year, Brazil’s soybean exports declined from nearly 20 million metric tons (mmt) to 17.7 mmt (Comex 

Stat, Ministério da Economia).2 Over the same period, average Brazilian soybean export prices rose 30 percent, 

from $479.79 per mt to $622.87 per mt. The Brazilian real depreciated against the U.S. dollar, from R$5.23 per 

U.S. dollar to R$5.25 per U.S. dollar (Brazil Central Bank). Because soybeans are priced in U.S. dollars but paid 

in reais, the real’s relative weakness against the U.S. dollar boosted export prices, benefiting Brazilian farmers 

and exporters. Measured in U.S. dollars, soybean average farm gate prices increased 7 percent year to year—

from $498.87/mt to $536.19/mt. On average, in reais, third-quarter 2022 farm gate prices increased roughly 8 

percent, from R$2,608.67/mt to R$2,813.94/mt (CONAB). 

In third quarter 2022, Brazil exported 12.2 mmt of soybeans to China, 11 percent less than the third quarter 

2021’s total of 13.7 mmt. The next highest shares of Brazil’s soybean exports (in declining order) went to 

Iran, Thailand, Spain, and Turkey. In the first 9 months of 2022, the southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, 

Paranaguá, and São Francisco do Sul still dominated the soybean trade to China, accounting for 69 percent 

of Brazil’s soybean exports to China. Also, in in the first 9 months of 2022, the northeastern ports of São Luís, 

Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for 31 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. 

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

Figure 1b. Brazil monthly diesel prices, January 2015 to September 2022, reais/gallon 

Source: Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels.

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

Diesel price (reais/gallon)
Brazil Soybean Transportation

3

Table 1a. 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 

3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22 3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22

Truck 59.59 99.71 67.3 18.32 30.05 64.1

Ocean 64.00 48.70 -23.9 64.75 50.30 -22.3

Total transportation 123.59 148.41 20.1 83.07 80.35 -3.3

Farm gate price3 513.31 514.98 0.3 497.59 552.66 11.1

Landed cost 636.91 663.39 4.2 580.66 633.01 9.0

Transport % of landed cost 19.4 22.4 15.3 14.3 12.7 -11.3

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22 3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22

Truck 19.88 32.45 63.2 59.53 98.83 66.0

Rail4 30.09 46.56 54.7 - - -

Ocean 64.00 48.70 -23.9 66.00 49.00 -25.8

Total transportation 113.97 127.71 12.1 125.53 147.83 17.8

Farm gate price3 513.31 514.98 0.3 513.31 514.98 0.3

Landed cost 627.28 642.69 2.5 638.84 662.81 3.8

Transport % of landed cost 18.2 19.9 9.4 19.6 22.3 13.5

1

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

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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

4

Table 1b. 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

3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22 3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22

Truck 37.51 63.19 68.5 25.51 44.47 74.4

Ocean 67.50 56.00 -17.0 68.00 56.00 -17.6

Total transportation 105.01 119.19 13.5 93.51 100.47 7.4

Farm gate price3 513.31 514.98 0.3 501.47 545.43 8.8

Landed cost 618.32 634.17 2.6 594.97 645.91 8.6

Transport % of landed cost 17.0 18.8 10.7 15.7 15.6 -1.0

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22 3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22

Truck 27.33 47.29 73.1 29.35 52.49 78.8

Barge4 - - - 14.89 23.89 60.4

Ocean 68.00 56.00 -17.6 70.00 55.40 -20.9

Total transportation 95.33 103.29 8.4 114.24 131.78 15.3

Farm gate price3 483.65 529.04 9.4 513.31 514.98 0.3

Landed cost 578.98 632.33 9.2 627.56 646.75 3.1

Transport % of landed cost 16.5 16.3 -0.8 18.2 20.4 11.9

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 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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

5

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

southern ports to Hamburg, Germany

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22 3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22

Truck 59.59 99.71 67.3 18.32 30.05 64.1

Ocean 54.00 42.60 -21.1 55.50 43.60 -21.4

Total transportation 113.59 142.31 25.3 73.82 73.65 -0.2

Farm gate price3 513.31 514.98 0.3 497.59 552.66 11.1

Landed cost 626.91 657.29 4.8 571.41 626.31 9.6

Transport % of landed cost 18.1 21.7 19.5 12.9 11.8 -9.0

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22 3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22

Truck 19.88 32.45 63.2 59.53 98.83 66.0

Rail4 30.09 46.56 54.7 - - -

Ocean 54.00 42.60 -21.1 53.00 41.60 -21.5

Total transportation 103.97 121.61 17.0 112.53 140.43 24.8

Farm gate price3 513.31 514.98 0.3 513.31 514.98 0.3

Landed cost 617.28 636.59 3.1 625.84 655.41 4.7

Transport % of landed cost 16.8 19.1 13.4 18.0 21.4 19.2

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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

6

Table 2b. 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

3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22 3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22

Truck 37.51 63.19 68.5 25.51 44.47 74.4

Ocean 50.60 46.00 -9.1 58.00 40.00 -31.0

Total transportation 88.11 109.19 23.9 83.51 84.47 1.2

Farm gate price3 513.31 514.98 0.3 501.47 545.43 8.8

Landed cost 601.42 624.17 3.8 584.97 629.91 7.7

Transport % of landed cost 14.6 17.5 19.4 14.3 13.4 -6.1

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22 3rd qtr. 

2021

3rd qtr. 

2022

2021-22

Truck 27.33 47.29 73.1 29.35 52.49 78.8

Barge4 - - - 14.89 23.89 60.4

Ocean 58.00 40.00 -31.0 49.20 39.70 -19.3

Total transportation 85.33 87.29 2.3 93.44 116.08 24.2

Farm gate price3 483.65 529.04 9.4 513.31 514.98 0.3

Landed cost 568.98 616.33 8.3 606.76 631.05 4.0

Transport % of landed cost 15.0 14.2 -5.6 15.4 18.4 19.4

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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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 83.64 102.44 99.71 95.26 82.88 101.50 98.83 94.40

Ocean 62.00 65.75 48.70 58.82 64.00 67.75 49.00 60.25

Total transportation 145.64 168.19 148.41 154.08 146.88 169.25 147.83 154.65

Farm gate price3 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99

Landed cost 696.34 734.48 663.39 698.07 697.58 735.55 662.81 698.64

Transport % of landed cost 20.9 22.9 22.4 22.1 21.1 23.0 22.3 22.1

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 34.83 32.45 31.73 27.55 32.57 30.05 30.06

Rail4 37.69 45.54 46.56 43.26 - - - -

Ocean 62.00 65.75 48.70 58.82 62.75 66.50 50.30 59.85

Total transportation 127.60 146.12 127.71 133.81 90.30 99.07 80.35 89.91

Farm gate price3 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99 604.37 617.87 552.66 591.63

Landed cost 678.31 712.41 642.69 677.80 694.66 716.94 633.01 681.54

Transport % of landed cost 18.8 20.5 19.9 19.7 13.0 13.8 12.7 13.2

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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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 83.64 102.44 99.71 95.26 82.88 101.50 98.83 94.40

Ocean 52.70 55.85 42.60 50.38 51.50 54.60 41.60 49.23

Total transportation 136.34 158.29 142.31 145.64 134.38 156.10 140.43 143.64

Farm gate price3 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99

Landed cost 687.04 724.58 657.29 689.64 685.08 722.40 655.41 687.63

Transport % of landed cost 19.8 21.8 21.7 21.1 19.6 21.6 21.4 20.9

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 34.83 32.45 31.73 27.55 32.57 30.05 30.06

Rail4 37.69 45.54 46.56 43.26 - - - -

Ocean 52.70 55.85 42.60 50.38 54.00 57.20 43.60 51.60

Total transportation 118.30 136.22 121.61 125.38 81.55 89.77 73.65 81.66

Farm gate price3 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99 604.37 617.87 552.66 591.63

Landed cost 669.01 702.51 636.59 669.37 685.91 707.64 626.31 673.29

Transport % of landed cost 17.7 19.4 19.1 18.7 11.9 12.7 11.8 12.1

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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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 64.82 63.19 60.53 38.28 46.68 44.47 43.15

Ocean 66.00 69.90 56.00 63.97 66.20 70.00 56.00 64.07

Total transportation 119.57 134.72 119.19 124.49 104.48 116.68 100.47 107.21

Farm gate price3 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99 558.85 591.24 545.43 565.17

Landed cost 670.27 701.01 634.17 668.48 663.33 707.92 645.91 672.39

Transport % of landed cost 17.8 19.2 18.8 18.6 15.8 16.5 15.6 15.9

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 51.28 47.29 45.63 46.94 52.63 52.49 50.69

Barge4 - - - - 20.01 24.51 23.89 22.80

Ocean 66.20 70.00 56.00 64.07 68.00 72.00 55.40 65.13

Total transportation 104.52 121.28 103.29 109.70 134.95 149.14 131.78 138.62

Farm gate price3 543.56 585.80 529.04 552.80 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99

Landed cost 648.08 707.08 632.33 662.50 685.66 715.43 646.75 682.61

Transport % of landed cost 16.1 17.2 16.3 16.5 19.7 20.8 20.4 20.3

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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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 64.82 63.19 60.53 38.28 46.68 44.47 43.15

Ocean 49.10 52.00 46.00 49.03 56.50 60.00 40.00 52.17

Total transportation 102.67 116.82 109.19 109.56 94.78 106.68 84.47 95.31

Farm gate price3 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99 558.85 591.24 545.43 565.17

Landed cost 653.37 683.11 624.17 653.55 653.63 697.92 629.91 660.49

Transport % of landed cost 15.7 17.1 17.5 16.8 14.5 15.3 13.4 14.4

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 51.28 47.29 45.63 46.94 52.63 52.49 50.69

Barge4 - - - - 20.01 24.51 23.89 22.80

Ocean 56.50 60.00 40.00 52.17 48.00 50.80 39.70 46.17

Total transportation 94.82 111.28 87.29 97.80 114.95 127.94 116.08 119.65

Farm gate price3 543.56 585.80 529.04 552.80 550.71 566.29 514.98 543.99

Landed cost 638.38 697.08 616.33 650.60 665.66 694.23 631.05 663.65

Transport % of landed cost 14.9 16.0 14.2 15.0 17.3 18.4 18.4 18.0

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 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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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 11.31 10.43 10.44

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.3 7.03 8.61 8.38 8.01

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 3.1 6.57 8.04 7.83 7.48

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.1 6.65 8.15 7.62 7.48

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.1 6.79 8.18 8.10 7.69

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.4 9.14 10.88 10.52 10.18

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.5 8.46 10.20 9.87 9.51

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.3 9.03 10.94 10.18 10.05

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 4.1 7.91 9.46 8.90 8.76

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 6.1 7.25 8.61 8.28 8.05

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.5 6.30 7.87 7.63 7.27

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.3 6.08 7.45 7.20 6.91

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.6 6.99 8.00 8.26 7.75

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.4 6.97 8.41 8.20 7.86

15 Northeast MT (Canarana) São Luís 1,177 2.0 7.23 7.47 7.14 7.28

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 2.1 7.71 9.39 8.97 8.69

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.8 7.46 8.86 8.57 8.30

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.1 11.07 13.55 13.44 12.69

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.5 10.42 12.38 12.10 11.63

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.6 6.11 7.37 7.19 6.89

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.5 7.41 8.71 8.35 8.15

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 2.5 6.47 7.85 7.63 7.32

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 1.3 6.15 7.35 7.00 6.83

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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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 7.66 7.71 7.26

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 1.4 8.51 9.92 9.06 9.16

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.8 7.70 10.19 9.76 9.22

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.8 6.99 7.84 7.81 7.55

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 6.1 6.43 7.62 7.16 7.07

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.4 6.11 7.40 7.21 6.91

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.1 7.95 9.69 9.23 8.96

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.4 6.33 8.46 7.81 7.53

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.6 8.42 9.77 9.57 9.25

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.4 6.05 7.32 7.12 6.83

Weighted average 587 100.0 7.43 8.90 8.57 8.30

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 7.31 9.12 8.50 8.31

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 3.70 4.47 4.57 4.25

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 224 4.95 6.63 6.00 5.86

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 738 2.71 3.32 3.24 3.09

38 South GO (Rio Verde) São Luís 546 4.97 6.59 6.00 5.85

1

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

2

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

3

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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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

Apr-22 8.83 2.9 152.27

May-22 9.05 2.4 155.94

Jun-22 8.83 -2.4 152.18

Jul-22 8.98 1.7 154.78

Aug-22 8.79 -2.1 151.51

Sep-22 7.93 -9.8 136.68

*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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

$13

$14

01/2004/2007/2010/2001/2104/2107/2110/2101/2204/2207/22

US$/mt /100 miles

Western Central PR to Paranaguá

Southwest MS to Paranaguá

North MT to Paranaguá

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

Jan-20

Apr-20

Jul-20

Oct-20

Jan-21

Apr-21

Jul-21

Oct-21

Jan-22

Apr-22

Jul-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, 2019-22

Note: mt = metric ton.

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

$0

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

Oct-19

Jan-20

Apr-20

Jul-20

Oct-20

Jan-21

Apr-21

Jul-21

Oct-21

Jan-22

Apr-22

Jul-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 55.85 42.60

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 51.50 54.60 41.60

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 54.00 57.20 43.60

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 49.10 52.00 46.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 56.50 60.00 40.00

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 48.00 50.80 39.70

Santos China (Shanghai) 62.00 65.75 48.70

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 64.00 67.75 49.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 62.75 66.50 50.30

Santarém China (Shanghai) 66.00 69.90 56.00

São Luís China (Shanghai) 66.20 70.00 56.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 68.00 72.00 55.40

*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” (ESALQ/USP), Brazil, 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, 2019-22

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

China

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

to Shanghai, China

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

Germany

• Table 2b. 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 2021 (PDF)

• Prior Articles: Brazil Soybean Transportation

• Related Articles: Grain Transportation Report: August 18, 2022 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

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

Marketing Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.11-2022>

Photo Credit: USDA

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