By Redação PortalPortuario
Waterways are gaining prominence in the Brazilian export matrix and are already established as strategic corridors for the flow of soybeans and corn. A large part of the production originates in the Center-West, the country’s main agricultural hub, and heads towards the ports of the Arco Norte, reducing logistical costs, shortening distances, and increasing the competitiveness of agribusiness in the global scenario.
From January to July of this year, the region moved 19.9 million tons of grains through the organized ports of the Amazon, according to the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq). Most of it traveled along the Amazon River waterway, with 10.26 million tons, followed by the Pará (4.65 million), Tocantins (4.59 million), and Tapajós (430.1 thousand) rivers.
The Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, emphasizes that this performance reinforces the strategic role of inland navigation. “Inland navigation is a strategic vector for Brazil. With the work of the National Secretariat of Waterways and Navigation, we have invested in dredging, rock removal, and logistical integration to turn rivers into protagonists of grain exports. This reduces costs, generates competitiveness, and ensures predictability for exporters,” he said.
Shipments were concentrated in five main ports: Vila do Conde Terminal (PA), with 3.94 million tons; Barcarena Bulk Port Terminal (PA), with 3.79 million; Hermasa Bulk Terminal (AM), with 3.70 million; Santarém (PA), with 3.60 million; Novo Remanso Port Terminal (AM), with 2.35 million.
A large part of this volume traveled along four of the country’s main waterways. The Amazon River acts as the great integration corridor, connecting various river terminals to the ports of the Arco Norte. The Pará River connects the Miritituba and Santarém regions to the Port of Vila do Conde, one of the most important for grain exports, which leads cargo movement in the North region in 2025.
The Tocantins River allows the flow of production from the Center-West towards the North, favoring logistical integration. The Tapajós River is fundamental for cargo transport between Miritituba, Santarém, and Vila do Conde, consolidating the grain route through the region.
These river routes strengthen the role of the Arco Norte, which, in 2024, accounted for 34.8% of soybean exports and 46% of corn exports, according to the 2025 Agrologistics Yearbook of the National Supply Company (Conab).
The National Secretary of Waterways and Navigation, Dino Antunes, reinforces that investments in inland navigation are changing the Brazilian export matrix. “Waterways are a strategic asset with great potential. Each investment increases efficiency, brings producing regions closer to the ports of the Arco Norte, and ensures cleaner and more competitive transport. Our goal is for inland navigation to cease being an alternative and become established as a central axis of national logistics,” he stated.
“Each investment increases efficiency, brings producing regions closer to the ports of the Arco Norte, and ensures cleaner and more competitive transport” Dino Antunes
China remains the main destination for exports, with 7.49 million tons up to July. Next are Spain (2.85 million tons), Turkey (1.63 million tons), Algeria (829.4 thousand tons), and Mexico (768.9 thousand tons), confirming the diversification of buyers and the solidity of the national logistical chain.
