EN 
PT_BR 
The soybeans that have been practically harvested and the second corn crop that has been sown have caused less movement on the main grain shipping routes, which, combined with the high supply of service providers, has resulted in a drop in freight prices in several regions of the country. This is what the Logistics Bulletin of the National Supply Company (Conab) points out, released last Wednesday (28).
Photos: Claudio Neves
Despite the momentary lower logistical movement, the export environment remains dynamic. External sales of soybeans in April 2025 reached 15.27 million tons, an increase of 4% compared to March. Shipments occurred mainly through the ports of Santos (37.2%), Arco Norte (36.8%) and Paranaguá (14%). The origin of the grains destined for export came mainly from Mato Grosso, Goiás, Paraná and Minas Gerais. Corn exports, on the other hand, recorded a drop in April (0.18 million tons) compared to March (0.87 million), although annual data show growth: 7.1 million tons shipped until April 2025, against 6.1 million in the same period in 2024. The one-off decline reflects adjustments in the domestic market and the impacts of the international situation.
In corn shipments, the redistribution of ports used stands out. Arco Norte shipped 25.9% of the total, a significant drop compared to the 43.7% of the previous year. Paranaguá and Rio Grande increased their participation, with 12.5% and 12.9%, respectively, surpassing the percentages of the previous year. The main exporting states of the cereal were Mato Grosso, Paraná, Goiás and Rio Grande do Sul.
In the by-products sector, soybean meal exports totaled 7.2 million tons from January to April, slightly below the 7.3 million in the same period in 2024. The movement was concentrated in the ports of Santos (44.4%) and Paranaguá (28.9%). The origins remain consistent: Mato Grosso, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Goiás.
The supply of inputs also showed significant growth. Fertilizer imports totaled 11.54 million tons in the year to April 2025, an increase of 13% compared to the same period in the previous year. The port of Paranaguá led the entry of inputs (3.03 million tons), followed by Arco Norte (2.52 million) and Santos (1.60 million).
Freight
The May edition of Conab's Logistics Bulletin shows that freight prices have declined in most regions analyzed. The Federal District stood out with significant reductions on routes to Santos and Guarujá (SP) and Imbituba (SC), with drops of up to 19%. Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo and Bahia also recorded drops, albeit to varying degrees. And in Mato Grosso, prices remained stable with small fluctuations, reflecting a scenario of low demand after the soybean harvest.
On the other hand, states such as Minas Gerais, Paraná and Piauí showed stable prices, with occasional or constant variations. In Bahia, although demand grew, the entry of trucks from other regions pushed prices down. Only a few specific locations managed to maintain the previous month's level, which reinforces the current scenario of reduced grain movement and greater availability of transportation.
The Conab Logistics Bulletin is a monthly publication that gathers logistical information from the main Brazilian producing states. The edition provides analyses on cargo flows, preferred shipping routes, port movements and the performance of grain and agricultural input exports. Access here the May 2025 edition and check out all the details.
