Record Brazilian Soybean Export Season Increases Inland Transportation Costs

In the first 9 months of 2023, Brazil exported a record 87.2 million metric tons (mmt) of soybeans, valued 

at $45.6 billion (fig. 1), mostly to China (Comex Stat, Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria, Comércio 

e Serviços (MDIC)).1 From third quarter 2022 to third quarter 2023 (year to year), the cost of shipping a 

metric ton (mt) of soybeans 100 miles by truck rose 19 percent, from $8.57 per mt to $10.23 per mt (table 

8). Inland (truck, rail, and barge) Brazilian transportation costs rose because of greater-than-usual soybean 

exports in August and September, which overlapped with the corn export window. Ocean shipping rates from 

Brazil declined because of extreme weather, the ending of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and the market’s 

pessimism about China’s economic season (Grain Transportation Report (GTR), October 26) (tables 1a, 1b, 2a, 

2b, and 9). Total transportation costs varied by Brazilian region. However—for the route to Shanghai, China, 

from Sorriso, Mato Grosso (the largest Brazilian soybean-producing State) via Santos—third quarter 2023 

soybean transportation costs rose 1-6 percent. Those same costs were 25-27 percent of the total landed costs 

in third quarter 2023, versus 34 percent in 2008 and 45 percent in 2006 (table 1.a). Year to year, soybean 

transportation costs to Shanghai, China—as a share of total landed costs—rose 10-27 percent for the routes 

from northern Mato Grosso to Santos, Santarém, and Barcarena (table 1b). 

1 In this report, the source of Brazil export data is the Comex Stat, Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria, Comércio e Serviços (MDIC).

Brazil Soybean Transportation

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

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

Third Quarter 2023 (July, August, September)

Published December 2023

Figure 1. Brazil average monthly soybean exports to China, 2020-23

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2020-22 1.0 3.2 8.6 9.9 8.9 7.5 6.1 4.4 3.1 2.5 1.8 1.1

2023 0.5 3.5 10.0 10.1 10.3 9.2 6.8 6.3 5.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Million metric tons

2020-22 2023

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria, Comércio e Serviços (MDIC).
Brazil Soybean Transportation

2

Year to year, Brazil’s soybean exports increased from 17 mmt to 24 mmt. The average third-quarter 2023, 

Brazilian soybean export price ($499.68) was down 20 percent from third quarter 2022’s average ($627.92) 

and down nearly 16 percent from the average for all of 2022 ($591.37). Because soybeans are priced in U.S. 

dollars but paid in reais, Brazilian farmers continue to benefit from the real’s relative weakness against the U.S. 

dollar. Year to year, the Brazilian real slightly depreciated against the U.S. dollar—from R$4.93 per U.S. dollar 

to R$4.95 per U.S. dollar (Brazil Central Bank). Brazil’s average farm gate prices for soybeans fell 30 percent, 

because of abundant local soybean supplies. Measured in U.S. dollars, that decline was from $591.59/mt to 

$413.76/mt—and in reais, from R$2,909.69/mt to R$2,048.41/mt (CONAB).

From January to September 2023, Brazil exported 61.7 mmt of soybeans to China, valued at $32.2 billion—

nearly 31 percent more than the total of 47.3 mmt from January to September 2022. The next highest shares 

of Brazil’s soybean exports (in declining order) went to Argentina, Spain, Thailand, and Turkey. The southern 

ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São Francisco do Sul still dominate the soybean trade to China, 

accounting for 69 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports to China in the first 9 months of 2023. Also, during the 

same period, the northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for nearly 31 

percent of soybean exports to China, and the Amazon River port of Manaus exported only a very small amount 

to China (less than 1 percent). The ocean freight spread (or cost difference) between the routes to Shanghai, 

China, from the northeastern port of São Luís ($42/mt) and the port of Santos ($37/mt) was $5/mt (table 9). 

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

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23 3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23

Truck 99.71 113.56 13.9 30.05 35.89 19.4

Ocean 48.70 37.00 -24.0 50.30 38.50 -23.5

Total transportation 148.41 150.56 1.5 80.35 74.39 -7.4

Farm gate price3 514.98 399.94 -22.3 552.66 469.48 -15.1

Landed cost 663.39 550.51 -17.0 633.01 543.87 -14.1

Transport % of landed cost 22.4 27.4 22.3 12.7 13.7 7.8

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23 3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23

Truck 32.45 40.22 23.9 98.83 112.54 13.9

Rail4 46.56 58.44 25.5 - - -

Ocean 48.70 37.00 -24.0 49.00 37.50 -23.5

Total transportation 127.71 135.66 6.2 147.83 150.04 1.5

Farm gate price3 514.98 399.94 -22.3 514.98 399.94 -22.3

Landed cost 642.69 535.60 -16.7 662.81 549.99 -17.0

Transport % of landed cost 19.9 25.3 27.5 22.3 27.3 22.3

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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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 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.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23 3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23

Truck 63.19 73.96 17.0 44.47 48.72 9.6

Ocean 56.00 41.40 -26.1 56.00 42.00 -25.0

Total transportation 119.19 115.36 -3.2 100.47 90.72 -9.7

Farm gate price3 514.98 399.94 -22.3 545.43 428.33 -21.5

Landed cost 634.17 515.30 -18.7 645.91 519.05 -19.6

Transport % of landed cost 18.8 22.4 19.1 15.6 17.5 12.4

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23 3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23

Truck 47.29 52.28 10.6 52.49 61.36 16.9

Barge4 - - - 19.43 30.47 56.8

Ocean 56.00 42.00 -25.0 55.40 42.20 -23.8

Total transportation 103.29 94.28 -8.7 127.32 134.03 5.3

Farm gate price3 529.04 432.42 -18.3 514.98 399.94 -22.3

Landed cost 632.33 526.70 -16.7 642.29 533.97 -16.9

Transport % of landed cost 16.3 17.9 9.6 19.8 25.1 26.6

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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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 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.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23 3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23

Truck 99.71 113.56 13.9 30.05 35.89 19.4

Ocean 42.60 35.00 -17.8 43.60 36.00 -17.4

Total transportation 142.31 148.56 4.4 73.65 71.89 -2.4

Farm gate price3 514.98 399.94 -22.3 552.66 469.48 -15.1

Landed cost 657.29 548.51 -16.5 626.31 541.37 -13.6

Transport % of landed cost 21.7 27.1 25.1 11.8 13.3 12.9

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23 3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23

Truck 32.45 40.22 23.9 98.83 112.54 13.9

Rail4 46.56 58.44 25.5 - - -

Ocean 42.60 35.00 -17.8 41.60 34.20 -17.8

Total transportation 121.61 133.66 9.9 140.43 146.74 4.5

Farm gate price3 514.98 399.94 -22.3 514.98 399.94 -22.3

Landed cost 636.59 533.60 -16.2 655.41 546.69 -16.6

Transport % of landed cost 19.1 25.0 31.1 21.4 26.8 25.3

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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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 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.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23 3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23

Truck 63.19 73.96 17.0 44.47 48.72 9.6

Ocean 46.00 33.00 -28.3 40.00 38.20 -4.5

Total transportation 109.19 106.96 -2.0 84.47 86.92 2.9

Farm gate price3 514.98 399.94 -22.3 545.43 428.33 -21.5

Landed cost 624.17 506.90 -18.8 629.91 515.25 -18.2

Transport % of landed cost 17.5 21.1 20.6 13.4 16.9 25.8

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23 3rd qtr.

2022

3rd qtr.

2023

2022-23

Truck 47.29 52.28 10.6 52.49 61.36 16.9

Barge4 - - - 19.43 30.47 56.8

Ocean 40.00 38.20 -4.5 39.70 32.50 -18.1

Total transportation 87.29 90.48 3.7 111.62 124.33 11.4

Farm gate price3 529.04 432.42 -18.3 514.98 399.94 -22.3

Landed cost 616.33 522.90 -15.2 626.59 524.27 -16.3

Transport % of landed cost 14.2 17.3 22.2 17.8 23.7 33.1

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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

7

Regions considered in the 

Brazilian soybean export 

transportation indicator.

Regions (listed above) 

and routes.

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

Indicators

Figure 2. Routes2 and regions considered in the Brazilian soybean export transportation indicator3

2 Table defining routes by number is shown on page 12.

3 Regions comprised about 79 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2021 (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, 2023

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 96.25 100.36 113.56 103.39 95.66 98.90 112.54 102.37

Ocean 33.50 35.20 37.00 35.23 35.00 36.70 37.50 36.40

Total transportation 129.75 135.56 150.56 138.62 130.66 135.60 150.04 138.77

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97

Landed cost 601.78 520.49 550.51 557.59 602.70 520.53 549.99 557.74

Transport % of landed cost 21.6 26.0 27.4 25.0 21.7 26.1 27.3 25.0

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 34.85 35.89 40.22 36.99 33.02 33.70 35.89 34.20

Rail4 49.62 54.47 58.44 54.18 - - - -

Ocean 33.50 35.20 37.00 35.23 34.00 35.70 38.50 36.07

Total transportation 117.97 125.56 135.66 126.40 67.02 69.40 74.39 70.27

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97 525.80 437.80 469.48 477.69

Landed cost 590.00 510.49 535.60 545.37 592.81 507.20 543.87 547.96

Transport % of landed cost 20.0 24.6 25.3 23.3 11.3 13.7 13.7 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 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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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, 2023

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 96.25 100.36 113.56 103.39 95.66 98.90 112.54 102.37

Ocean 31.65 33.20 35.00 33.28 31.00 32.50 34.20 32.57

Total transportation 127.90 133.56 148.56 136.67 126.66 131.40 146.74 134.94

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97

Landed cost 599.93 518.49 548.51 555.64 598.70 516.33 546.69 553.90

Transport % of landed cost 21.3 25.8 27.1 24.7 21.2 21.6 26.8 23.2

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 34.85 35.89 40.22 36.99 33.02 33.70 35.89 34.20

Rail4 49.62 54.47 58.44 54.18 - - - -

Ocean 31.65 33.20 35.00 33.28 32.50 34.20 36.00 34.23

Total transportation 116.12 123.56 133.66 124.45 65.52 67.90 71.89 68.44

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97 525.80 437.80 469.48 477.69

Landed cost 588.15 508.49 533.60 543.42 591.31 505.70 541.37 546.13

Transport % of landed cost 19.7 19.4 25.0 21.4 11.1 13.4 13.3 12.6

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 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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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, 2023

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 62.23 68.56 73.96 68.25 41.03 41.07 48.72 43.61

Ocean 37.50 39.40 41.40 39.43 38.00 40.00 42.00 40.00

Total transportation 99.73 107.96 115.36 107.68 79.03 81.07 90.72 83.61

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97 508.13 420.39 428.33 452.28

Landed cost 571.76 492.89 515.30 526.65 587.16 501.46 519.05 535.89

Transport % of landed cost 17.4 21.9 22.4 20.6 13.5 16.2 17.5 15.7

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 46.93 46.41 52.28 48.54 53.34 58.45 61.36 57.72

Barge4 - - - - 21.24 27.47 30.47 26.39

Ocean 38.00 40.00 42.00 40.00 38.25 40.20 42.20 40.22

Total transportation 84.93 86.41 94.28 88.54 112.83 126.12 134.03 124.33

Farm gate price3 499.05 406.67 432.42 446.05 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97

Landed cost 583.97 493.08 526.70 534.59 584.86 511.05 533.97 543.30

Transport % of landed cost 14.5 17.5 17.9 16.7 19.3 24.7 25.1 23.0

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. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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, 2023

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 62.23 68.56 73.96 68.25 41.03 41.07 48.72 43.61

Ocean 30.00 31.50 33.00 31.50 34.50 36.30 38.20 36.33

Total transportation 92.23 100.06 106.96 99.75 75.53 77.37 86.92 79.94

Farm gate price3 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97 508.13 420.39 428.33 452.28

Landed cost 564.26 484.99 506.90 518.72 583.66 497.76 515.25 532.22

Transport % of landed cost 16.3 20.6 21.1 19.4 12.9 15.5 16.9 15.1

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 46.93 46.41 52.28 48.54 53.34 58.45 61.36 57.72

Barge4 - - - - 21.24 27.47 30.47 26.39

Ocean 34.50 36.30 38.20 36.33 29.40 31.00 32.50 30.97

Total transportation 81.43 82.71 90.48 84.87 103.98 116.92 124.33 115.08

Farm gate price3 499.05 406.67 432.42 446.05 472.04 384.93 399.94 418.97

Landed cost 580.47 489.38 522.90 530.92 576.01 501.85 524.27 534.05

Transport % of landed cost 14.0 16.9 17.3 16.1 18.1 23.3 23.7 21.7

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

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

Note: qtr. = quarter. mt = metric ton. Avg. = average. A hyphen in an otherwise empty cell denotes that the data are not available.

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, 2023

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 10.2 11.46 11.70 12.46 11.88

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 2.9 8.09 8.43 9.54 8.69

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 2.7 7.58 7.84 8.92 8.11

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.0 7.77 8.38 9.25 8.47

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.0 7.96 8.19 9.32 8.49

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 2.8 11.40 11.96 13.09 12.15

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.2 10.59 10.82 12.16 11.19

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.3 10.77 11.57 12.66 11.67

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 3.1 9.50 9.73 10.93 10.05

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 6.4 8.61 9.39 9.99 9.33

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.4 7.37 7.92 8.98 8.09

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.2 7.17 7.52 8.51 7.74

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.7 8.47 9.02 9.90 9.13

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.5 8.46 9.16 9.39 9.00

15 Northeast MT (Canarana) São Luís 1,177 2.0 6.96 7.31 8.37 7.55

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 2.0 8.98 9.58 10.54 9.70

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.7 9.28 9.68 10.58 9.85

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 1.8 14.81 16.09 16.53 15.81

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.2 13.16 14.28 15.61 14.35

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.7 7.26 8.02 8.80 8.03

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.4 9.15 9.43 10.34 9.64

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 2.4 7.87 8.46 9.02 8.45

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 1.4 7.23 7.76 8.62 7.87

1

The main city in the regions 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 of exports in total production (percentage).

4

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

5

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

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

6

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

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

7

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

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

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

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

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

-continued on page 13-
Brazil Soybean Transportation

13

Route 

#

Origin1 

(reference city)

Destination

Distance 

(miles)2

Share 

(%)3

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

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

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 2.1 7.41 7.78 8.75 7.98

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.7 10.01 10.58 10.81 10.47

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.6 10.33 10.98 11.94 11.08

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.2 7.94 8.70 9.13 8.59

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 5.5 7.46 7.75 8.47 7.89

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.0 7.10 7.82 8.44 7.79

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.0 8.52 8.53 10.12 9.06

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.5 7.75 7.66 8.63 8.01

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.6 10.50 10.16 9.56 10.07

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.8 7.06 7.26 8.13 7.49

Weighted average 587 100.0 8.92 9.41 10.23 9.52

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 9.12 9.39 10.53 9.68

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 4.87 5.35 5.73 5.32

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 153 7.93 5.39 5.46 6.26

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 600 3.54 4.58 5.08 4.40

38 South GO (Rio Verde) (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 546 5.96 6.72 7.39 6.69

1

The main city in the regions 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 of exports in total production (percentage).

4

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

5

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

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

6

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

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

7

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

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

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

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

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

14

Table 8. Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index

Month Freight price

(US$/mt/100 miles)

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan-05=100)

Jan-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

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

*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.

Month Freight price

(US$/mt/100 miles) 

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan-05=100)

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

Oct-22 7.71 -2.7 132.98

Nov-22 7.42 -3.9 127.84

Dec-22 7.94 7.1 136.89

Jan-23 7.97 0.4 137.38

Feb-23 9.41 18.1 162.28

Mar-23 9.39 -0.3 161.87

Apr-23 9.57 1.9 164.91

May-23 9.27 -3.1 159.82

Jun-23 9.38 1.1 161.64

Jul-23 10.09 7.6 173.97

Aug-23 10.09 0.0 173.94

Sep-23 10.50 4.1 181.01
Brazil Soybean Transportation

15

Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020-23

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

export transportation routes, 2020-23

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

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

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

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

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

$13

$14

01/2004/2007/2010/2001/2104/2107/2110/2101/2204/2207/2210/2201/2304/2307/23

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

Oct-22

Jan-23

Apr-23

Jul-23

US$/mt/100 miles

North MT (Sorriso)

to Santos

North MT to

Paranaguá

North MT (Sorriso)

to Santarém

North MT (Sorriso)

to Itaituba

 South MA (Balsas)

to São Luís
Brazil Soybean Transportation

16

Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2020-23

Note: mt = metric ton.

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

$0

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

Jan-20

Apr-20

Jul-20

Oct-20

Jan-21

Apr-21

Jul-21

Oct-21

Jan-22

Apr-22

Jul-22

Oct-22

Jan-23

Apr-23

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. 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

-continued on page 18-

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. 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
Brazil Soybean Transportation

18

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

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 52.70 55.85 42.60 42.20

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 51.50 54.60 41.60 41.20

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 54.00 57.20 43.60 43.10

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 49.10 52.00 46.00 39.60

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 56.50 60.00 40.00 39.80

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 48.00 50.80 39.70 39.20

Santos China (Shanghai) 62.00 65.75 48.70 47.70

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 64.00 67.75 49.00 48.60

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 62.75 66.50 49.00 48.40

Santarém China (Shanghai) 66.00 69.90 56.00 54.80

São Luís China (Shanghai) 66.20 70.00 56.00 55.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 68.00 72.00 55.40 55.50

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. 2023 2nd qtr. 2023 3rd qtr. 2023 4th qtr. 2023

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 31.65 33.20 35.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 32.50 34.20

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 32.50 34.20 36.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 31.50 33.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 34.50 36.30 38.20

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 29.40 31.00 32.50

Santos China (Shanghai) 33.50 35.20 37.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 35.00 36.70 37.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 34.00 35.70 38.50

Santarém China (Shanghai) 37.50 39.40 41.40

São Luís China (Shanghai) 38.00 40.00 42.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 38.25 40.20 42.20

*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

Senior Visual Information Specialist

jessica.ladd@usda.gov

Data Sets (XLS files):

• Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2020-23

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

transportation routes, 2020-23

• Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2020-23

• 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, 2023

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

Germany, 2023

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

to Shanghai, China, 2023

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

to Hamburg, Germany, 2023

• Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2023

• 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

• Prior Articles: Brazil Soybean Transportation

• Related Articles: Grain Transportation Report: September 21, 2023 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

Salin, Delmy. Brazil Soybean Transportation. December 2023. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 

Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.12-2023>

Photo Credit: USDA

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