Study analyzes the impacts of logistics infrastructure on agricultural production in Mato Grosso do Sul.

Mato Grosso do Sul accounts for approximately 9% of the national soybean production, consolidating its position as the 5th largest producer of the grain in Brazil. Regarding second-crop corn, the state ranks 4th nationally, being responsible for about 8.1% of Brazilian production.

Despite the importance of soybean and corn production in the national scenario, logistics infrastructure still represents one of the main challenges for the flow of agricultural production in Mato Grosso do Sul. According to an analysis presented by Aprosoja/MS, freight costs can represent up to 60% of the value of corn and up to 25% of the value of soybeans.

Currently, the state transports approximately 801 4T of agricultural production by road, 21 4T by rail, and the remainder by waterways. According to a study prepared by economists from Aprosoja/MS, this concentration on road transport increases logistics costs, increases demand on the road network, and reduces the competitiveness of production in Mato Grosso do Sul.

The analysis also indicates that rail and waterway transport have structural advantages over road transport. However, the competitiveness of these modes depends on factors such as available infrastructure, the stage of development of the logistics network, the process of returning concessions, and the level of competition between different modes of transport.

With estimated investments of R$ 50 billion by 2035, plans include the duplication and improvements of the BR-163 highway, the implementation of the Nova Ferroeste railway, linking Maracaju (MS) to Paraná, the concession of the Paraguay River Waterway, and projects associated with the Bioceanic Route. According to estimates presented in the study, these initiatives have the potential to reduce transportation costs by up to 26%.

According to the analysis presented in the study, the implementation of these projects could contribute to increasing the efficiency of cargo transportation, reducing logistics costs, and strengthening the competitiveness of soybean and corn production in Mato Grosso do Sul.