English 
Português do Brasil Ports are the backbone of Brazilian foreign trade. Approximately 95% of all the country's international operations pass through them, making them decisive for the national economy.
In the first half of 2025, the port sector registered a historic milestone: 653.7 million tons of cargo handled, according to the National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ). This figure represents a 1% growth compared to the same period in 2024, consolidating the sector's importance in the expansion of international trade.
Highlighted ports
The Port of Santos (SP) maintained its leadership with 67.9 million tons handled. Meanwhile, the Port of Itajaí (SC) drew attention for its expressive growth after resuming operations: a jump of 1,494%, reaching 1.7 million tons in the semester.
Profiles of cargo handled
Of the total registered, the movement was distributed as follows:
• Solid Bulk: 59,2%
• Liquid and Gaseous Bulk: 24%
• Containerized Cargo: 11,9%
• Loose General Cargo: 4,9%
Long-haul navigation remains the main modality (70.9%), followed by cabotage (22.2%) and inland navigation (6.8%).
Another highlight was the record volume in containerized cargo, which reached 78.1 million tons, a growth of 6.17% compared to 2024. In TEUs, 7.3 million units were handled.
Main brazilian ports in container handling
Check out the ports that stood out the most in container handling in the first half of 2025:
Port of Santos (SP)
• 1.92 million TEUs, an 8.56% growth.
• Largest port in Latin America in container handling.
• Structure with 55 terminals, 63 berths, and 30 km of channel extension.
• Influence over São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul.
Port of Paranaguá (PR)
• 745.9 thousand TEUs, a 1.8% increase.
• Recognized as one of the largest bulk ports.
• Largest refrigerated container yard in South America.
• World leader in frozen chicken export.
Port of Itapoá (SC)
• 741.3 thousand TEUs, a 30.6% growth.
• Annual capacity for up to 1.8 million TEUs.
• Strategic location in Babitonga Bay.
Port of Navegantes – Portonave (SC)
• 484.3 thousand TEUs, a 20% decrease.
• Considered the most efficient terminal in Brazil.
• Structure with 900 meters of quay and more than 3,200 outlets for refrigerated containers.
Port of Rio Grande (RS)
• 456.8 thousand TEUs, a 25.2% growth.
• Important logistical corridor in the extreme south of the country.
Port of Itajaí (SC)
• 1.7 million tons handled, after resuming operations.
• 103.8 thousand TEUs in containerized cargo (85.4% of the total).
• Historical and strategic role for the Itajaí Valley and the state of Santa Catarina.
What Brazilian Ports Handle Most
Among the main cargoes transported in containers are:
• Organic chemical products;
• Plastics and derivatives;
• Sugars;
• Meats;
• Cotton;
• Wood;
• Paper and cardboard.
The numbers confirm: Brazilian ports not only support foreign trade but also boost the country's competitiveness on the international stage.
With Santos, Paranaguá, and the terminals in Santa Catarina standing out, the port infrastructure continues to be a key element in the flow of production and in connecting Brazil with the world.
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