1

United States Department of Agriculture

Brazil Soybean Transportation

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

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

Third Quarter 2019 (July, August, September)

Published November 26, 2019

Brazilian Soybean Export Season Closes With Lower Exports, Mixed 

Transportation Costs and Lower Farm Prices

From January to September, Brazil exported 60.8 million metric tons 

(mmt) of soybeans, 12 percent less than last year’s total of 69.2 mmt

(fig. 1) (Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX)). Each year, Brazilian soybean 

exports usually peak in May and decline through the end of the year. 

During the third quarter of 2019, transportation costs were mixed. In 

the selected routes from North Mato Grosso (MT) and Northwest Rio 

Grande do Sul (via Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, Santarém, and São 

Luís) to Shanghai, China, total transportation costs increased (tables 1 

and 1.a). However, from North MT (by truck via Santos and Paranaguá) 

to Hamburg, Germany, total transportation costs decreased (table 2). 

From the third quarter of 2018 to the third quarter of 2019, the cost of 

shipping a metric ton of soybeans 100 miles by truck decreased nearly 

5 percent to $8.15 from $7.75 (table 8 and fig. 5). Ocean rates increased 

significantly because of higher bunker fuel prices and a strong iron ore 

trade that reduced the availability of Panamax vessels for grain exports at 

the Brazilian ports (table 9) (Grain Transportation Report (GTR)). 

Contents

Brazil Soybean Transportation 

Indicators 7

Contact Information: 19

Data Sets 19

Subscription Information 19

Related Websites 19

Preferred Citation 19

Figure 1. Brazil average monthly soybean exports 

Source: Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

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

2018 1,564 2,864 8,814 10,259 12,353 10,420 10,195 8,123 4,607 5,252 4,931 4,231

2019 2,044 5,267 8,476 9,453 10,003 8,554 7,436 5,064 4,448 - - -

Thousand metric ton

2018

2019
2

Brazil Soybean Transportation

In the third quarter of 2019, Santos was the largest Brazilian soybean export port, followed by Rio Grande, 

Paranaguá, São Luís, Barcarena, and São Francisco do Sul (fig. 1.a). These six ports accounted for nearly 81 

percent of Brazil’s total exports. Looking at the split from a different north/south perspective, the southern 

ports of Santos, Rio Grande, Paranaguá, and São Francisco do Sul dominated the soybean trade, accounting for 

about 61 percent of Brazil’s soybean exports. Meanwhile, the northeastern ports of São Luís, Vitória, Salvador, 

and Barcarena accounted for 23 percent of exports. The Amazon River ports of Manaus and Santarém exported 

less than 1 percent.

From the third quarter of 2018 to the third quarter of 2019, the Brazilian real (R$) depreciated almost 1 

percent against the U.S. dollar, from R$3.95/US$ to R$3.97/US$ (Brazil Central Bank). Average Brazilian 

soybean export prices decreased 10 percent to $357 per metric ton (mt), down from $397/mt at the same time 

last year (SECEX). The weakening of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar partially offset the 5 percent fall in 

farm gate prices, when measured in U.S. dollars (Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB)). Soybeans 

are priced in U.S. dollars but paid in reais. Farm prices measured in reais decreased, on average, 6 percent.

Soybean exports to China declined 16 percent because of an epidemic of African swine fever that reduced the 

country’s hog herd. According to the Wall Street Journal, China lost 41 percent of its pigs compared with a year 

ago. China accounts for 75 percent of total Brazilian soybean exports. In Sorriso, North MT (the largest Brazilian 

soybean-producing State), transportation costs represented nearly 30 percent of the total landed costs of 

shipping soybeans to Shanghai through Santos by truck and 28 percent by rail. Transportation costs also 

represented about 23 percent of the total landed costs of shipping soybeans to Shanghai through the port of 

Barcarena by barge (tables 1, 1a, and 7). For more information, contact Delmy L. Salin at delmy.salin@usda.gov.

Figure 1a. Brazil soybean exports by port, January-September 2019

3

2

1

 -

16,219 

8,855 

8,676 

6,782 

5,215 

3,230 

3,042 

2,767 

2,719 

2,259 

536 

444 

 - 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000

Santos

Rio Grande

Paranaguá

São Luís

Barcarena

São Francisco do Sul

Vitória

Santarém

Manaus

Salvador

Imbituba

Others

1,000 metric tons

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC
3

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 1. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to 

Shanghai, China

2018 

3rd qtr.

2019 

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2018-2019

2018 

3rd qtr.

2019 

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2018-2019

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 92.79 88.37 -4.8 27.79 26.82 -3.5

Ocean 27.75 33.25 19.8 28.25 34.25 21.2

Total transportation 120.54 121.62 0.9 56.04 61.07 9.0

Farm gate price3 301.39 286.87 -4.8 326.13 304.20 -6.7

Landed cost 421.93 408.48 -3.2 382.17 365.27 -4.4

Transport % of landed cost 28.6 29.8 4.2 14.7 16.7 14.0

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 32.31 30.03 -7.1 91.43 87.49 -4.3

Rail4 42.77 48.04 12.3 - - -

Ocean 27.75 33.25 19.8 28.75 34.75 20.9

Total transportation 102.84 111.32 8.3 120.18 122.24 1.7

Farm gate price3 301.39 286.87 -4.8 301.39 286.87 -4.8

Landed cost 404.23 398.19 -1.5 421.57 409.10 -3.0

Transport % of landed cost 25.4 28.0 9.9 28.5 29.9 4.8

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás.

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.
4

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 1a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and 

northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

2018 

3rd qtr.

2019 

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2018-2019

2018

3rd qtr.

2019 

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2018-2019

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 58.29 55.66 -4.5 37.04 36.22 -2.2

Ocean 31.25 38.25 22.4 30.75 38.25 24.4

Total transportation 89.54 93.91 4.9 67.79 74.47 9.8

Farm gate price3 301.39 286.87 -4.8 305.07 300.20 -1.6

Landed cost 390.93 380.78 -2.6 372.86 374.67 0.5

Transport % of landed cost 22.9 24.7 7.7 18.2 19.9 9.3

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

—US$/mt—

Truck 44.56 41.42 -7.0 - 49.49 -

Barge4 - - - - 20.63 -

Ocean 30.75 38.25 24.4 - 38.25 -

Total transportation 75.31 79.67 5.8 - 87.74 -

Farm gate price3 290.62 288.35 -0.8 - 286.87 -

Landed cost 365.93 368.03 0.6 - 374.61 -

Transport % of landed cost 20.6 21.6 5.2 - 23.4 -

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, 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.
5

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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 2. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to 

Hamburg, Germany

2018 

3rd qtr.

2019 

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2018-2019

2018 

3rd qtr.

2019 

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2018-2019

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 92.79 88.37 -4.8 27.79 26.82 -3.5

Ocean 24.00 27.00 12.5 25.00 27.00 8.0

Total transportation 116.79 115.37 -1.2 52.79 53.82 1.9

Farm gate price3 301.39 286.87 -4.8 326.13 304.20 -6.7

Landed cost 418.18 402.23 -3.8 378.92 358.02 -5.5

Transport % of landed cost 27.9 28.7 2.7 13.9 15.0 7.9

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 32.31 30.03 -7.1 91.43 87.49 -4.3

Rail4 42.77 48.04 12.3 - - -

Ocean 24.00 27.00 12.5 25.00 27.00 8.0

Total transportation 99.09 105.07 6.0 116.43 114.49 -1.7

Farm gate price3 301.39 286.87 -4.8 301.39 286.87 -4.8

Landed cost 400.48 391.94 -2.1 417.82 401.35 -3.9

Transport % of landed cost 24.7 26.8 8.4 27.9 28.5 2.4

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, 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 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.
6

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

2018 

3rd qtr.

2019

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2018-2019

2018

3rd qtr.

2019

3rd qtr.

% Change 

2018-2019

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 58.29 55.66 -4.5 37.04 36.22 -2.2

Ocean 22.50 25.92 15.2 18.50 22.77 23.1

Total transportation 80.79 81.58 1.0 55.54 58.99 6.2

Farm gate price3 301.39 286.87 -4.8 305.07 300.20 -1.6

Landed cost 382.18 368.45 -3.6 360.61 359.19 -0.4

Transport % of landed cost 21.1 22.1 4.7 15.4 16.4 6.6

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mt--

Truck 44.56 41.4 -7.0 - 49.49 -

Barge4 - - - - 20.63 -

Ocean 18.50 22.8 23.1 - 23.52 -

Total transportation 63.06 64.2 1.8 - 73.01 -

Farm gate price3 290.62 288.4 -0.8 - 286.87 -

Landed cost 353.68 352.5 -0.3 - 359.88 -

Transport % of landed cost 17.8 18.2 2.1 - 20.3 -

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, 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.
7

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Brazil Soybean Transportation 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 80 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2017.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
8

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China

—2019—

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

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 73.96 88.37 81.41 71.05 72.82 87.49 77.12

Ocean 32.25 30.92 33.25 32.14 33.75 31.42 34.75 33.31

Total transportation 114.17 104.88 121.62 113.55 104.80 104.24 122.24 110.43

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 277.98 275.38 271.70 286.87 277.98

Landed cost 389.54 376.58 408.48 391.53 380.18 375.94 409.10 388.41

Transport % of landed cost 29.3 27.8 29.8 29.0 27.6 27.7 29.9 28.4

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 26.49 30.03 28.80 26.05 24.86 26.82 25.91

Rail4 41.21 31.39 48.04 40.22 - - - -

Ocean 32.25 30.92 33.25 32.14 31.58 30.25 34.25 32.03

Total transportation 103.36 88.80 111.32 101.16 57.63 55.11 61.07 57.94

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 277.98 308.52 294.72 304.20 302.48

Landed cost 378.73 360.50 398.19 379.14 366.2 349.83 365.27 360.42

Transport % of landed cost 27.3 24.6 28.0 26.6 15.7 15.8 16.7 16.1

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso,GO = Goiás, 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 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.

Note: Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
9

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

Hamburg, Germany

—2019—

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

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 73.96 88.37 81.41 71.05 72.82 87.49 77.12

Ocean 23.00 21.50 27.00 23.83 23.00 21.25 27.00 23.75

Total transportation 104.92 95.46 115.37 105.25 94.05 94.07 114.49 100.87

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 277.98 275.38 271.70 286.87 277.98

Landed cost 380.29 367.16 402.23 383.23 369.43 365.77 401.35 378.85

Transport % of landed cost 27.6 26.0 28.7 27.4 25.5 25.7 28.5 26.6

North MT1 - Santos2

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 26.49 30.03 28.80 26.05 24.86 26.82 25.91

Rail4 41.21 31.39 48.04 40.22 - - - -

Ocean 23.00 21.50 27.00 23.83 23.00 21.25 27.00 23.75

Total transportation 94.11 79.38 105.07 92.85 49.05 46.11 53.82 49.66

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 277.98 308.52 294.72 304.20 302.48

Landed cost 369.48 351.08 391.94 370.83 357.57 340.83 358.02 352.14

Transport % of landed cost 25.5 22.6 26.8 25.0 13.7 13.5 15.0 14.1

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, 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 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.

Note: Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
10

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

ports to Shanghai, China

—2019—

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 59.40 47.34 55.66 54.13 37.04 31.80 36.22 35.02

Ocean 32.25 30.58 38.25 33.69 31.00 30.58 38.25 33.28

Total transportation 91.65 77.92 93.91 87.83 68.04 62.38 74.47 68.29

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 277.98 298.43 278.70 300.20 292.44

Landed cost 367.03 349.62 380.78 365.81 366.47 341.08 374.67 360.74

Transport % of landed cost 25.0 22.3 24.7 24.0 18.6 18.3 19.9 18.9

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 45.24 38.41 41.42 41.69 53.99 45.66 49.49 49.71

Barge4 - - - - 19.66 18.30 20.63 19.53

Ocean 31.00 30.58 38.25 33.28 32.25 29.92 38.25 33.47

Total transportation 76.24 68.99 79.67 74.97 86.24 75.58 87.74 83.19

Farm gate price3 292.96 285.28 288.35 288.86 298.43 271.70 286.87 285.67

Landed cost 369.20 354.27 368.03 363.83 384.67 347.29 374.61 368.86

Transport % of landed cost 20.7 19.5 21.6 20.6 22.4 21.8 23.4 22.5

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, 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.

Note: Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
11

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

ports to Hamburg, Germany

—2019—

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 59.40 47.34 55.66 54.13 37.04 31.80 36.22 35.02

Ocean 21.00 20.25 25.92 22.39 18.00 17.10 22.77 19.29

Total transportation 80.40 67.59 81.58 76.52 55.04 48.90 58.99 54.31

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 286.87 277.98 298.43 278.70 300.20 292.44

Landed cost 355.78 339.29 368.45 354.51 353.47 327.60 359.19 346.75

Transport % of landed cost 22.6 19.9 22.1 21.6 15.6 14.9 16.4 15.6

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2 

--US$/mtTruck 45.24 38.41 41.42 41.69 53.99 45.66 49.49 49.71

Barge4 - - - - 19.66 18.30 20.63 19.53

Ocean 18.00 17.10 22.77 19.29 19.00 17.85 23.52 20.12

Total transportation 63.24 55.51 64.19 60.98 72.99 63.51 73.01 69.84

Farm gate price3 292.96 285.28 288.35 288.86 298.43 271.70 286.87 285.67

Landed cost 356.20 340.79 352.55 349.85 371.42 335.22 359.88 355.51

Transport % of landed cost 17.8 16.3 18.2 17.4 19.7 18.9 20.3 19.6

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, 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.

Note: Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
12

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2019

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 9.05 8.63 9.31 9.00

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.0 6.88 6.21 7.43 6.84

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 2.8 5.63 5.77 6.93 6.11

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.1 7.29 5.89 6.75 6.64

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.1 6.15 6.03 7.06 6.41

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.3 8.86 8.40 9.06 8.77

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.6 7.96 7.76 8.48 8.07

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.1 10.13 8.11 9.02 9.08

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 2.5 7.45 7.00 7.86 7.44

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 5.6 7.03 6.48 7.41 6.97

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.5 6.23 5.60 6.61 6.15

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.3 5.21 5.26 6.35 5.60

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.3 6.48 6.33 7.28 6.70

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.1 7.67 6.20 7.21 7.03

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 1.7 7.76 6.29 7.27 7.11

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 1.9 8.18 6.80 7.94 7.64

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.8 7.16 6.78 7.24 7.06

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.1 12.15 10.87 11.15 11.39

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.3 11.22 10.29 11.06 10.86

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.3 6.79 5.44 6.29 6.17

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.0 8.57 6.62 7.30 7.50

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 3.4 7.04 5.71 6.84 6.53

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 0.0 6.71 5.45 6.23 6.13

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, 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.

Note: Avg. = average.

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

-continued on page 13-
13

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2019

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 3.0 6.04 5.66 6.66 6.12

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.7 9.40 8.31 8.47 8.73

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.8 11.75 10.44 11.81 11.34

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.3 8.04 6.80 7.37 7.40

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 5.7 6.29 5.98 6.26 6.18

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.1 6.78 5.40 6.35 6.18

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 1.9 7.69 6.60 7.52 7.27

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.2 7.47 6.34 6.84 6.88

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.5 10.05 7.58 8.08 8.57

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.1 6.43 5.36 6.68 6.16

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 7.83 6.93 7.86 7.54

35 Rondonópolis MT 

(Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 4.04 3.08 4.71 3.95

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 224 9.24 7.84 5.15 7.41

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 738 2.67 2.48 2.80 2.65

Average 587 100.0 7.75 6.94 7.75 7.48

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, 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.

Note: Avg. = average.

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
14

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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 priceUS$/mt/100 miles) miles

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan. 05 = 100)

Jan-12 10.20 1.7 175.90 Jan-16 6.42 -5.1 110.63

Feb-12 10.76 5.4 185.45 Feb-16 6.73 4.8 115.98

Mar-12 10.55 -2.0 181.82 Mar-16 7.79 15.8 134.33

Apr-12 10.45 -1.0 180.06 Apr-16 8.30 6.5 143.05

May-12 9.64 -7.7 166.20 May-16 7.28 -12.3 125.43

Jun-12 9.37 -2.9 161.44 Jun-16 7.16 -1.5 123.51

Jul-12 9.76 4.2 168.16 Jul-16 7.46 4.2 128.64

Aug-12 10.17 4.3 175.33 Aug-16 7.33 -1.7 126.41

Sep-12 10.30 1.3 177.54 Sep-16 6.35 -13.3 109.53

Oct-12 10.13 -1.6 174.66 Oct-16 5.88 -7.5 101.35

Nov-12 9.84 -2.8 169.69 Nov-16 5.00 -14.9 86.21

Dec-12 9.73 -1.1 167.74 Dec-16 5.47 9.4 94.32

Jan-13 10.11 3.9 174.31 Jan-17 7.32 33.8 126.20

Feb-13 10.79 6.7 185.96 Feb-17 9.85 34.6 169.85

Mar-13 11.14 3.3 192.04 Mar-17 10.38 5.3 178.90

Apr-13 10.95 -1.7 188.71 Apr-17 9.52 -8.3 164.05

May-13 10.40 -5.0 179.31 May-17 8.75 -8.0 150.90

Jun-13 9.49 -8.8 163.61 Jun-17 8.18 -6.5 141.04

Jul-13 9.65 1.7 166.41 Jul-17 8.74 6.8 150.66

Aug-13 9.80 1.5 168.95 Aug-17 9.85 12.7 169.76

Sep-13 10.21 4.2 176.02 Sep-17 8.97 -9.0 154.55

Oct-13 10.17 -0.4 175.28 Oct-17 8.64 -3.6 148.93

Nov-13 9.29 -8.6 160.18 Nov-17 8.36 -3.2 144.11

Dec-13 8.91 -4.1 153.63 Dec-17 7.23 -13.5 124.63

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

Nov-15 7.08 5.8 122.08

Dec-15 6.76 -4.5 116.56

*Weighted average. 

Source: University of São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de 

Queiroz,” Brazil (ESALQ/ USP) and USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service.
15

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation 

routes, 2017-19

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

$13

$14

01/1704/1707/1710/1701/1804/1807/1810/1801/1904/1907/19

US$/mt /100 miles

Western Center PR to

Paranaguá

North MT to Paranaguá

Southwest MS to Paranaguá

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

transportation routes, 2017-19

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

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

Note: mt = metric ton.

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

Agricultural Marketing Service.

Note: mt = metric ton.

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

Agricultural Marketing Service.
16

Brazil Soybean Transportation

2005 and 2006

basis

$0

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

Jul-19

US$/mt/100 miles

Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2017-19

Note: mt = metric ton.

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

Agricultural Marketing Service.
17

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2013 2nd qtr .2013 3rd qtr .2013 4th qtr .2013

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

Paranagua Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 52.34 34.50 34.50 42.50

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 56.03 36.75 36.75 46.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 51.34 35.25 35.25 44.25

Port Destination 1st qtr .2014 2nd qtr. 2014 3rd qtr .2014 4th qtr .2014

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 30.00 26.00 24.00

Paranagua Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 30.00 28.00 26.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 30.00 24.50 22.50

Santos China (Shanghai) 44.83 38.07 34.00 30.50

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 47.22 41.13 36.00 32.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 44.83 38.75 32.50 30.50

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2015 2nd qtr. 2015 3rd qtr. 2015 4th qtr. 2015

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 14.50 13.50 20.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 18.25 16.38 20.50

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 16.00 15.20 21.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 29.50 22.50 23.25 20.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 31.50 23.50 24.18 20.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 29.50 25.00 25.75 21.00

Santarém China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

São Luís China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

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

*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-
18

Brazil Soybean Transportation

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

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2017 2nd qtr. 2017 3rd qtr. 2017 4th qtr. 2017

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 23.60 25.00 26.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 17.60 20.00 21.20 22.00

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 18.00 20.60 21.80 22.70

Santos China (Shanghai) 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 20.50 30.50 31.00 31.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 18.00 29.50 31.00 30.70

Santarém China (Shanghai) 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50

São Luís China (Shanghai) 23.50 30.25 31.00 33.50

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50

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

Port Destination 1st qtr. 2019 2nd qtr. 2019 3rd qtr. 2019 4th qtr. 2019

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.50 27.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 27.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 27.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 20.25 25.92

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 18.00 17.10 22.77

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 19.00 17.85 23.52

Santos China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.92 33.25

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 33.75 31.42 34.75

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 31.58 30.25 34.25

Santarém China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.58 38.25

São Luís China (Shanghai) 31.00 30.58 38.25

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 32.25 29.92 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.
19

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Contact Information:

Delmy L. Salin

Senior Economist, Project Manager

delmy.salin@usda.gov

202.720.0833

Sharon C. Williams

Graphic Analyst

sharonc.williams@usda.gov

202.720.2848

Data Sets (XLS files):

• Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2017-2019

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

transportation routes, 2017-2019

• Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2017-2019

• 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, 2019

• 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 2017 (PDF)

• Prior Articles: Brazil Soybean Transportation

• Related Articles: Grain Transportation Report: September 5, 2019 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

Salin, Delmy. Brazil Soybean Transportation. November 2019. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 

Marketing Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.11-2019>

Photo Credit: USDA

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