Lower Exports and Transportation Cost

From first quarter 2022 to first quarter 2023 (year to year), Brazilian soybean exports decreased from 20.9 

million metric tons (mmt) to 19.1 mmt (fig. 1a). Exports declined because of harvest delays in the CenterWest region, an expected record-high soybean harvest nationwide, and low domestic and export prices. The 

low prices encouraged producers and traders to delay sales (Information System for Freight Value, Argus, 

and Reuters). Of Brazil’s soybeans that were exported, 58 percent left through the Southern ports (fig. 1b). 

According to the Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB), Brazil’s 2023 soybean crop is expected 

to reach a record-high 154.8 mmt. Year to year, the cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of soybeans 100 miles 

by truck rose 20 percent from $7.43 per mt to $8.92 per mt (table 8). Truck rates rose as a result of a larger 

soybean crop and increased corn exports that overlapped with the soybean export window. Typically, soybean 

truck rates increase in March, as the flow of exports accelerates. However, this year, truck rates increased in 

February, reaching their highest level since the all-time record high set in the first quarter of 2017 and 2018 

(table 8). This rise also partially reflects higher fuel prices and the slight appreciation of the Brazilian real (R$) 

against the U.S. dollar—from R$5.22 per U.S. dollar to R$5.20 per U.S. dollar (Brazil Central Bank). 

Ocean freight rates fell, significantly lowering transportation costs. The decline was the combined result of the 

normal seasonal slump, an earlier-than-usual Chinese Lunar New Year celebration (January 22 to February 5) 

and reported lukewarm Chinese demand (Grain Transportation Report (GTR), February 9, 2023). In the State of 

Brazil Soybean Transportation

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

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

 First Quarter 2023 (January, February, March)

Published June 2023

Figure 1a. Brazil soybean monthly exports, 2022-23

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

2022 2.5 6.3 12.2 11.5 10.6 10.0 7.5 5.9 4.1 3.8 2.6 2.0

2023 0.8 5.1 13.2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Milion metric ton

Source: Comex Stat, Ministério da Economia.
Brazil Soybean Transportation

2

Mato Grosso, lower transportation costs, and farm gate prices led to lower total landed costs for transporting 

Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Shanghai, China, and Hamburg, Germany. Total landed costs are 

equal to total transportation costs plus farm price (tables 1 and 2).

At $557.31, Brazil’s first-quarter 2023 average soybean export price was up 8 percent from first quarter 2022’s 

average price ($518.36), but down 6 percent from the average price for all of 2022 ($591.36). Year to year, 

Brazil’s average farm gate prices for soybeans fell 12 percent, because of the abundant local soybean supplies. 

Measured in U.S. dollars, that decline was from $569.06/mt to $501.57/mt—and in reais, from R$2,958.15/mt 

to R$2,605/mt (CONAB). 

In first quarter 2023, Brazil exported 14 mmt of soybeans to China, 5 percent less than the first quarter 

2022’s total of 14.8 mmt. The next highest shares of Brazil’s soybean exports (in declining order) went to 

Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Argentina, and Russia. The southern ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São 

Francisco do Sul still account for 68 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports to China. Also, in the first 3 months of 

2023, the northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, and Barcarena accounted for 31 percent of soybean 

exports to China. The Port of Manaus, along the Amazon River, also exported a small share to China. For more 

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

Figure 1b. Southern ports exported 58 percent of Brazilian soybeans, January-March 2023

World Wildlife Fund.

Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - Produção Agricola Municipal.

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

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 

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 83.64 96.25 15.1 27.55 33.02 19.9

Ocean 62.00 33.50 -46.0 62.75 34.00 -45.8

Total transportation 145.64 129.75 -10.9 90.30 67.02 -25.8

Farm gate price3 550.71 472.04 -14.3 604.37 525.80 -13.0

Landed cost 696.34 601.78 -13.6 694.66 592.81 -14.7

Transport % of landed cost 20.9 21.6 3.1 13.0 11.3 -13.0

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 27.91 34.85 24.9 82.88 95.66 15.4

Rail4 37.69 49.62 31.6 - - -

Ocean 62.00 33.50 -46.0 64.00 35.00 -45.3

Total transportation 127.60 117.97 -7.5 146.88 130.66 -11.0

Farm gate price3 550.71 472.04 -14.3 550.71 472.04 -14.3

Landed cost 678.31 590.00 -13.0 697.58 602.70 -13.6

Transport % of landed cost 18.8 20.0 6.3 21.1 21.7 3.0

1

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

2

Export port.

3

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

4

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

terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers.

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

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 53.57 62.23 16.2 38.28 41.03 7.2

Ocean 66.00 37.50 -43.2 66.20 38.00 -42.6

Total transportation 119.57 99.73 -16.6 104.48 79.03 -24.4

Farm gate price3 550.71 472.04 -14.3 558.85 508.13 -9.1

Landed cost 670.27 571.76 -14.7 663.33 587.16 -11.5

Transport % of landed cost 17.8 17.4 -2.2 15.8 13.5 -14.6

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 38.32 46.93 22.5 46.94 53.34 13.6

Barge4 - - - 16.28 21.24 30.5

Ocean 66.20 38.00 -42.6 68.00 38.25 -43.8

Total transportation 104.52 84.93 -18.7 131.22 112.83 -14.0

Farm gate price3 543.56 499.05 -8.2 550.71 472.04 -14.3

Landed cost 648.08 583.97 -9.9 685.66 584.86 -14.7

Transport % of landed cost 16.1 14.5 -9.8 19.2 19.3 0.3

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. 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 Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 83.64 96.25 15.1 27.55 33.02 19.9

Ocean 52.70 31.65 -39.9 54.00 32.50 -39.8

Total transportation 136.34 127.90 -6.2 81.55 65.52 -19.7

Farm gate price3 550.71 472.04 -14.3 604.37 525.80 -13.0

Landed cost 687.04 599.93 -12.7 685.91 591.31 -13.8

Transport % of landed cost 19.8 21.3 7.4 11.9 11.1 -6.8

North MT1 - Santos2 by rail North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 27.91 34.85 24.9 82.88 95.66 15.4

Rail4 37.69 49.62 31.6 - - -

Ocean 52.70 31.65 -39.9 51.50 31.00 -39.8

Total transportation 118.30 116.12 -1.8 134.38 126.66 -5.7

Farm gate price3 550.71 472.04 -14.3 550.71 472.04 -14.3

Landed cost 669.01 588.15 -12.1 685.08 598.70 -12.6

Transport % of landed cost 17.7 19.7 11.6 19.6 21.2 7.9

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. 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

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 53.57 62.23 16.2 38.28 41.03 7.2

Ocean 49.10 30.00 -38.9 56.50 34.50 -38.9

Total transportation 102.67 92.23 -10.2 94.78 75.53 -20.3

Farm gate price3 550.71 472.04 -14.3 558.85 508.13 -9.1

Landed cost 653.37 564.26 -13.6 653.63 583.66 -10.7

Transport % of landed cost 15.7 16.3 4.0 14.5 12.9 -10.8

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2 North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt— % Change —US$/mt— % Change

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

2022

1st qtr.

2023

1st qtr.

2022-23

Truck 38.32 46.93 22.5 46.94 53.34 13.6

Barge4 - - - 16.28 21.24 30.5

Ocean 56.50 34.50 -38.9 48.00 29.40 -38.8

Total transportation 94.82 81.43 -14.1 111.22 103.98 -6.5

Farm gate price3 543.56 499.05 -8.2 550.71 472.04 -14.3

Landed cost 638.38 580.47 -9.1 661.92 576.01 -13.0

Transport % of landed cost 14.9 14.0 -5.6 16.8 18.1 7.4

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. 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

Indicators

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

1

Table defining routes by number is shown on page 12.

2

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

Municipal).

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

8

Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China, 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 96.25 95.66 95.66

Ocean 33.50 33.50 35.00 35.00

Total transportation 129.75 129.75 130.66 130.66

Farm gate price3 472.04 472.04 472.04 472.04

Landed cost 601.78 601.78 602.70 602.70

Transport % of landed cost 21.6 21.6 21.7 21.7

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 34.85 33.02 33.02

Rail4 49.62 49.62 - -

Ocean 33.50 33.50 34.00 34.00

Total transportation 117.97 117.97 67.02 67.02

Farm gate price3 472.04 472.04 525.80 525.80

Landed cost 590.00 590.00 592.81 592.81

Transport % of landed cost 20.0 20.0 11.3 11.3

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. 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 96.25 95.66 95.66

Ocean 31.65 31.65 31.00 31.00

Total transportation 127.90 127.90 126.66 126.66

Farm gate price3 472.04 472.04 472.04 472.04

Landed cost 599.93 599.93 598.70 598.70

Transport % of landed cost 21.3 21.3 21.2 21.2

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 34.85 33.02 33.02

Rail4 49.62 49.62 - -

Ocean 31.65 31.65 32.50 32.50

Total transportation 116.12 116.12 65.52 65.52

Farm gate price3 472.04 472.04 525.80 525.80

Landed cost 588.15 588.15 591.31 591.31

Transport % of landed cost 19.7 19.7 11.1 11.1

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. 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 62.23 41.03 41.03

Ocean 37.50 37.50 38.00 38.00

Total transportation 99.73 99.73 79.03 79.03

Farm gate price3 472.04 472.04 508.13 508.13

Landed cost 571.76 571.76 587.16 587.16

Transport % of landed cost 17.4 17.4 13.5 13.5

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

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

Truck 46.93 46.93 53.34 53.34

Barge4 - - 21.24 21.24

Ocean 38.00 38.00 38.25 38.25

Total transportation 84.93 84.93 112.83 112.83

Farm gate price3 499.05 499.05 472.04 472.04

Landed cost 583.97 583.97 584.86 584.86

Transport % of landed cost 14.5 14.5 19.3 19.3

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. 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 62.23 41.03 41.03

Ocean 30.00 30.00 34.50 34.50

Total transportation 92.23 92.23 75.53 75.53

Farm gate price3 472.04 472.04 508.13 508.13

Landed cost 564.26 564.26 583.66 583.66

Transport % of landed cost 16.3 16.3 12.9 12.9

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 46.93 46.93 53.34 53.34

Barge4 - - 26.11 26.11

Ocean 34.50 34.50 29.40 29.40

Total transportation 81.43 81.43 108.85 108.85

Farm gate price3 499.05 499.05 472.04 472.04

Landed cost 580.47 580.47 580.89 580.89

Transport % of landed cost 14.0 14.0 18.7 18.7

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 11.46

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

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

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.0 7.77 7.77

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.0 7.96 7.96

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 2.8 11.40 11.40

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.2 10.59 10.59

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.3 10.77 10.77

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 3.1 9.50 9.50

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

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

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

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.7 8.47 8.47

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.5 8.46 8.46

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

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 2.0 8.98 8.98

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.7 9.28 9.28

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 1.8 14.81 14.81

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.2 13.16 13.16

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

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.4 9.15 9.15

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 2.4 7.87 7.87

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

1

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

2

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

3

Share is measured as a percentage of total production.

4

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

5

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

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

6

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

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

7

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

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

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

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

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

-continued on page 13-
Brazil Soybean Transportation

13

Route 

#

Origin1 

(reference city)

Destination

Distance 

(miles)2

Share 

(%)3

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

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

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

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

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.6 10.33 10.33

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.2 7.94 7.94

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 5.5 7.46 7.46

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.0 7.10 7.10

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 2.0 8.52 8.52

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

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.6 10.50 10.50

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

Weighted average 587 100.0 8.92 8.92

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 9.12 9.12

35 Rondonópolis MT (Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 4.87 4.87

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 153 7.93 7.93

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 600 3.54 3.54

38 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 546 5.96 5.96

1

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

2

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

3

Share is measured as a percentage of total production.

4

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

5

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

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

6

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

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

7

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

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

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

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

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

14

Table 8. Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index

Month Freight price

(US$/mt/100 miles)

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan-05=100)

Jan-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
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

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

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

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

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 

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 32.50 

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 34.50 

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 29.40 

Santos China (Shanghai) 33.50 

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 35.00 

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 34.00 

Santarém China (Shanghai) 37.50 

São Luís China (Shanghai) 38.00 

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 38.25 

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

the shipped volume. 

Note: qtr. = quarter.

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

19

Contact Information:

Delmy L. Salin

Senior Economist, Project Manager

delmy.salin@usda.gov

202.720.0833

Jessica Ladd

Supervisory Visual Information Specialist

jessica.ladd@usda.gov

202.720.6494

Data Sets (XLS files):

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

• 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: March 23, 2023 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

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

Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.06-2023>

Photo Credit: USDA

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