Surge in Ocean Rates Drive Rising Transportation Costs 

In third quarter 2021, the rise in Brazil’s soybean transportation costs reflected a significant rise in ocean rates 

(fig. 1, tables 1, 1a, 2, 2a, and 9). From third quarter 2020 to third quarter 2021 (year to year), ocean rates 

doubled to Shanghai, China, and increased nearly 130 percent to Hamburg, Germany. This was the largest 

increase in ocean rates since second quarters 2007 and 2008 (fig. 1). The increase was due to strong demand 

for shipping bulk items, as well as tight vessel supply caused by congestion and other logistic inefficiencies 

(Grain Transportation Report (GTR), October 14). The cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of soybeans 100 miles 

by truck decreased 6 percent—from $5.48 per mt to $5.16 per mt (table 8). 

In the first 9 months of 2021, Brazil exported a total of nearly 77.5 million metric ton (mmt) of soybeans, 

valued at $34.3 billion (Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia).1 Of that total, exports to China accounted for 

53.5 mmt, valued at $23.7 billion—nearly 7 percent less than Brazil’s 57.4 mmt exports to China in the first 

9 months of 2020. The next highest shares of Brazil’s soybean exports (in declining order) went to Spain, the 

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

Brazil Soybean Transportation

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

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

 Third Quarter 2021 (July, August, September)

Published November 2021

Figure 1. Ocean freight rates for Brazilian soybean shipments from Santos to Shanghai, China, 

and to Hamburg, Germany, 2017-21

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

 -

 20.00

 40.00

 60.00

 80.00

 100.00

 120.00

Q1_07Q4_07Q3_08Q2_09Q1_10Q4_10Q3_11Q2_12Q1_13Q4_13Q3_14Q2_15Q1_16Q4_16Q3_17Q2_18Q1_19Q4_19Q3_20Q2_21

U.S.$ per metric ton

Santos-Hamburg

Santos-Shanghai
Brazil Soybean Transportation

2

Netherlands, Thailand, and Turkey. The southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São Francisco do 

Sul continued to dominate the soybean trade to China, collectively accounting for 73 percent. Also, in the first 9 

months of 2021, the northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for 26 percent 

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

China, but exported mostly to the European Union, North America, and Africa. 

Year to year, average Brazilian soybean export prices rose by 36 percent, from $353.04 per mt to $479.63 per 

mt. Brazilian farmers have benefited from the still-low value of the real against the U.S. dollar, because soybeans 

are priced in U.S. dollars but paid in reais. Measured in U.S. dollars, soybean average farm gate prices increased 

nearly 42 percent, from $352.03/mt to $498.87/mt year to year. Year to year, the Brazilian real strengthened 

about 3 percent against the U.S. dollar, from R$5.38 per U.S. dollar to R$5.23 per U.S. dollar (Brazil Central 

Bank). However, the real remained about 32 percent weaker than it was in third quarter 2019 (R$3.97 per U.S. 

dollar). The continued-weak real led to higher domestic soybean prices in Brazil. On average, in reais, thirdquarter 2021 farm gate prices increased nearly 38 percent, from R$1,894.75/mt to R$2,608.67/mt (Companhia 

Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)). 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

2020 

3rd qtr.

2021

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2020-21

2020

3rd qtr.

2021

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2020-21

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 60.52 59.59 -1.5 18.84 18.32 -2.8

Ocean 31.33 64.00 104.3 32.83 64.75 97.2

Total transportation 91.85 123.59 34.6 51.67 83.07 60.8

Farm gate price3 367.89 513.31 39.5 367.58 497.59 35.4

Landed cost 459.74 636.91 38.5 419.26 580.66 38.5

Transport % of landed cost 20.0 19.4 -2.9 12.3 14.3 16.1

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 21.47 19.88 -7.4 60.22 59.53 -1.1

Rail4 31.02 30.09 -3.0 - - -

Ocean 31.33 64.00 104.3 33.08 66.00 99.5

Total transportation 83.82 113.97 36.0 93.30 125.53 34.5

Farm gate price3 367.89 513.31 39.5 367.89 513.31 39.5

Landed cost 451.71 627.28 38.9 461.19 638.84 38.5

Transport % of landed cost 18.6 18.2 -2.1 20.2 19.6 -2.9

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.

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

2020 

3rd qtr.

2021

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2020-21

2020

3rd qtr.

2021

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2020-21

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 41.03 37.51 -8.6 27.62 25.51 -7.7

Ocean 34.83 67.50 93.8 35.33 68.00 92.5

Total transportation 75.86 105.01 38.4 62.95 93.51 48.5

Farm gate price3 367.89 513.31 39.5 359.63 501.47 39.4

Landed cost 443.75 618.32 39.3 422.58 594.97 40.8

Transport % of landed cost 17.1 17.0 -0.7 14.9 15.7 5.5

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

Truck 31.84 27.33 -14.2 30.89 29.35 -5.0

Barge4 - - - 14.45 14.89 3.0

Ocean 35.33 68.00 92.5 36.33 70.00 92.7

Total transportation 67.17 95.33 41.9 81.67 114.24 39.9

Farm gate price3 344.92 483.65 40.2 367.89 513.31 39.5

Landed cost 412.10 578.98 40.5 449.56 627.56 39.6

Transport % of landed cost 16.3 16.5 1.0 18.2 18.2 0.2

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.

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

2020 

3rd qtr.

2021

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2020-21

2020

3rd qtr.

2021

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2020-21

North MT1 - Santos2 by truck

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 60.52 59.59 -1.5 18.84 18.32 -2.8

Ocean 24.00 54.00 125.0 24.50 55.50 126.5

Total transportation 84.52 113.59 34.4 43.34 73.82 70.3

Farm gate price3 367.89 513.31 39.5 367.58 497.59 35.4

Landed cost 452.41 626.91 38.6 410.93 571.41 39.1

Transport % of landed cost 18.7 18.1 -3.0 10.5 12.9 22.5

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 21.47 19.88 -7.4 60.22 59.53 -1.1

Rail4 31.02 30.09 -3.0 - - -

Ocean 24.00 54.00 125.0 25.00 53.00 112.0

Total transportation 76.49 103.97 35.9 85.22 112.53 32.0

Farm gate price3 367.89 513.31 39.5 367.89 513.31 39.5

Landed cost 444.38 617.28 38.9 453.11 625.84 38.1

Transport % of landed cost 17.2 16.8 -2.1 18.8 18.0 -4.4

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.

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

6

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 

3rd qtr.

2021

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2020-21

2020

3rd qtr.

2021

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2020-21

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 41.03 37.51 -8.6 27.62 25.51 -7.7

Ocean 20.75 50.60 143.9 25.00 58.00 132.0

Total transportation 61.78 88.11 42.6 52.62 83.51 58.7

Farm gate price3 367.89 513.31 39.5 359.63 501.47 39.4

Landed cost 429.67 601.42 40.0 412.25 584.97 41.9

Transport % of landed cost 14.4 14.6 1.9 12.8 14.3 11.8

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mt--

Truck 31.84 27.33 -14.2 30.89 29.35 -5.0

Barge4 - - - 14.45 14.89 3.0

Ocean 25.00 58.00 132.0 20.50 49.20 140.0

Total transportation 56.84 85.33 50.1 65.84 93.44 41.9

Farm gate price3 344.92 483.65 40.2 367.89 513.31 39.5

Landed cost 401.77 568.98 41.6 433.73 606.76 39.9

Transport % of landed cost 14.1 15.0 6.0 15.2 15.4 1.5

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.

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

Regions considered in the 

Brazilian soybean export 

transportation indicators.

BA=Bahia

GO=Goiás

MG=Minas Gerais

MS=Mato Grosso do Sul

MT=Mato Grosso

PA=Pará

PI=Piauí

PR=Paraná

RS=Rio Grande do Sul

SP=São Paulo

TO=Tocantins

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, 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

8

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 62.26 58.57 65.99 59.53 61.36

Ocean 37.00 50.60 64.00 50.53 38.75 52.40 66.00 52.38

Total transportation 97.94 116.84 123.59 112.79 97.32 118.39 125.53 113.75

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66

Landed cost 561.04 612.41 636.91 603.45 560.42 613.96 638.84 604.41

Transport % of landed cost 17.5 19.1 19.4 18.6 17.4 19.3 19.6 18.8

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 22.18 23.05 19.88 21.71 19.91 21.09 18.32 19.77

Rail4 30.95 30.44 30.09 30.49 - - -

Ocean 37.00 50.60 64.00 50.53 37.25 51.00 64.75 51.00

Total transportation 90.13 104.10 113.97 102.73 57.16 72.09 83.07 70.77

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66 475.64 505.86 497.59 493.03

Landed cost 553.22 599.67 627.28 593.39 532.80 577.95 580.66 563.80

Transport % of landed cost 16.3 17.4 18.2 17.3 10.7 12.5 14.3 12.5

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

9

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 62.26 58.57 65.99 59.53 61.36

Ocean 31.25 42.70 54.00 42.65 31.00 41.90 53.00 41.97

Total transportation 92.19 108.94 113.59 104.91 89.57 107.89 112.53 103.33

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66

Landed cost 555.29 604.51 626.91 595.57 552.67 603.46 625.84 593.99

Transport % of landed cost 16.6 18.0 18.1 17.6 16.2 17.9 18.0 17.4

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 22.18 23.05 19.88 21.71 19.91 21.09 18.32 19.77

Rail4 30.95 30.44 30.09 30.49 - - -

Ocean 31.25 42.70 54.00 42.65 32.00 43.80 55.50 43.77

Total transportation 84.38 96.20 103.97 94.85 51.91 64.89 73.82 63.54

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66 475.64 505.86 497.59 493.03

Landed cost 547.47 591.77 617.28 585.51 527.55 570.75 571.41 556.57

Transport % of landed cost 15.4 16.3 16.8 16.2 9.8 11.4 12.9 11.4

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 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 39.86 25.06 28.77 25.51 26.44

Ocean 40.54 55.60 67.50 54.55 41.00 55.60 68.00 54.87

Total transportation 80.55 97.68 105.01 94.41 66.06 84.37 93.51 81.31

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66 466.73 503.18 501.47 490.46

Landed cost 543.64 593.25 618.32 585.07 532.79 587.55 594.97 571.77

Transport % of landed cost 14.8 16.5 17.0 16.1 12.4 14.4 15.7 14.2

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 29.27 34.77 27.33 30.46 34.86 38.44 29.35 34.22

Barge4 - - - - 16.37 15.79 14.89 15.68

Ocean 41.00 55.60 68.00 54.87 42.00 58.20 70.00 56.73

Total transportation 70.27 90.37 95.33 85.32 93.23 112.44 114.24 106.64

Farm gate price3 484.07 489.79 483.65 485.84 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66

Landed cost 554.34 580.17 578.98 571.16 556.33 608.01 627.56 597.30

Transport % of landed cost 12.7 15.6 16.5 14.9 16.8 18.5 18.2 17.8

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

11

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 39.86 25.06 28.77 25.51 26.44

Ocean 28.65 40.00 50.60 39.75 33.25 45.90 58.00 45.72

Total transportation 68.66 82.08 88.11 79.61 58.31 74.67 83.51 72.16

Farm gate price3 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66 466.73 503.18 501.47 490.46

Landed cost 531.75 577.65 601.42 570.27 525.04 577.85 584.97 562.62

Transport % of landed cost 12.9 14.2 14.6 13.9 11.1 12.9 14.3 12.8

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 29.27 34.77 27.33 30.46 34.86 38.44 29.35 34.22

Barge4 - - - - 16.37 15.79 14.89 15.68

Ocean 33.25 45.90 58.00 45.72 28.10 38.90 49.20 38.73

Total transportation 62.52 80.67 85.33 76.17 79.33 93.14 93.44 88.64

Farm gate price3 484.07 489.79 483.65 485.84 463.10 495.57 513.31 490.66

Landed cost 546.59 570.47 568.98 562.01 542.43 588.71 606.76 579.30

Transport % of landed cost 11.4 14.1 15.0 13.5 14.6 15.8 15.4 15.3

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton. 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, 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 6.87

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.3 5.12 5.57 5.01 5.23

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 3.1 4.64 5.23 4.72 4.86

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 4.9 4.96 5.11 4.54 4.87

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 3.9 5.07 5.33 4.77 5.06

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 2.8 7.17 7.15 6.08 6.80

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.2 6.63 6.27 5.48 6.12

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.0 6.86 6.94 6.03 6.61

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 1.7 6.08 5.93 5.23 5.75

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 5.9 5.28 5.69 5.17 5.38

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.5 4.69 5.27 4.43 4.79

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.3 4.58 5.08 4.43 4.70

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.0 5.68 5.51 4.92 5.37

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 2.8 5.47 5.60 4.86 5.31

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 1.2 5.35 5.54 4.92 5.27

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 1.9 5.72 6.00 5.34 5.69

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.7 5.84 5.81 4.86 5.50

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.0 8.74 9.00 7.52 8.42

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.3 8.46 8.45 7.25 8.05

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.4 4.61 4.79 4.26 4.55

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.0 5.42 5.69 4.76 5.29

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 3.6 4.78 5.34 4.55 4.89

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 0.0 4.64 4.79 4.22 4.55

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 13-
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.

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 3.2 4.23 5.04 4.54 4.60

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.7 5.42 6.62 5.98 6.01

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.5 6.83 7.32 6.37 6.84

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.8 5.19 5.72 4.37 5.09

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 6.2 4.55 4.94 4.39 4.62

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.4 4.57 4.80 4.28 4.55

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.2 5.20 5.97 5.30 5.49

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.5 4.83 5.74 4.51 5.03

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.6 6.61 6.46 5.36 6.15

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.4 4.51 4.75 4.24 4.50

Weighted average 587 100.0 5.60 5.94 5.16 5.57

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 5.81 6.04 5.20 5.68

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 3.04 2.99 2.95 2.99

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 224 5.97 4.49 3.51 4.65

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 738 2.22 2.14 2.02 2.13

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

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) 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

Nov-17 8.36 -3.2 144.11

Dec-17 7.23 -13.5 124.63

*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, 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

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

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-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

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, 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

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. 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 18-
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. 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

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 41.90 53.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 32.00 43.80 55.50

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 28.65 40.00 50.60

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 33.25 45.90 58.00

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 28.10 38.90 49.20

Santos China (Shanghai) 37.00 50.60 64.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 38.75 52.40 66.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 37.25 51.00 64.75

Santarém China (Shanghai) 40.54 55.60 67.50

São Luís China (Shanghai) 41.00 56.60 68.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 42.00 58.20 70.00

*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, 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: June 3, 2021 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

Salin, Delmy. Brazil Soybean Transportation. November 2021. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 

Marketing Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.11-2021>

Photo Credit: USDA

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