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Português do Brasil When we talk about foreign trade in Brazil, it's impossible not to highlight the importance of port logistics. In a country of continental dimensions with more than 7,000 km of coastline, ports are the main gateway for goods. To give you an idea, about 95% of Brazil's international trade happens by sea.
In this scenario, Pecém Port, located in Ceará, is becoming increasingly relevant. With an annual cargo movement of around 20 million tons, the terminal has consolidated its position as the most important in the Northeast. And recently, it took an even bigger step: it opened a direct route with China, reducing lead times and costs for companies operating in international trade.
The Pecém Complex and its Strategic Position
More than a port, Pecém is an industrial-port complex that includes an Export Processing Zone (ZPE), attracting industries from sectors like steel, oil, petrochemicals, and energy. Its location is strategic: about 60 km from Fortaleza, with logistical proximity to markets such as the United States, Europe, and North Africa.
The project's history began in 1995 with a Navy survey of the region. Seven years later, in 2002, the port terminal was officially inaugurated. Since then, it has become an engine of economic development for Ceará and for Brazil.
Robust Infrastructure
Pecém is a multi-cargo terminal, prepared to handle different types of goods. It has 10 berths, distributed across three piers, connected to the mainland by a bridge and protected by a 2.7 km L-shaped breakwater.
This infrastructure ensures agility and security in operations, allowing for the movement of everything from solid and liquid bulk to containerized general cargo.
Cargo that Moves the Economy
The numbers are impressive: in the first half of 2025 alone, Pecém handled 9.9 million tons, a 10% increase compared to 2024. In containers, the jump was even bigger: a 38% increase, totaling 325,456 TEUs.
Among imports, steel, machinery, electrical materials, and plastics stand out. As for exports, the port moves products such as fruits, meat, footwear, textiles, ornamental stones, and nuts.
The New Route to China: A Game-Changer
One of the most recent milestones was the inauguration of the direct route with China, operated by MSC. The route passes through the Panama Canal and has reduced the average transport time from 60 to 30 days. For exports from Ceará, the reduction is up to 14 days.
This represents greater competitiveness, lower logistical costs, and agility for companies that rely on Asia as a supplier or consumer market.
Global and Domestic Connections
In addition to the direct link with China, Pecém maintains routes to major ports around the world, such as Rotterdam, Valencia, Genoa, and London, as well as connections with Buenos Aires and Barcelona. In Brazil, it also has six cabotage routes, connecting to ports in the Southeast and North.
Conclusion
Pecém Port is much more than a terminal: it's a logistics and industrial hub that places Ceará and the Northeast in a strategic position in international trade. With its new direct route to China, the port reinforces its role as an essential link between Brazil and the world, boosting business, reducing costs, and opening doors for new global opportunities.
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