August exports hit record high despite Trump's tariff hike

Brazilian ports saw record export activity in August this year, despite the imposition of a 50% tariff increase imposed by the United States, according to a report by the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq). The survey shows a 3.2% increase in the month and a 7.8% increase compared to August last year.

The report released this Wednesday (15) shows that cargo movement to the United States plummeted 17% in the first month of the tariff hike, but was offset by a surge in exports to India (348%), Mexico (97%), Argentina (50%) and China (12%), Brazil's largest trading partner.

"The record cargo movement at the country's ports, combined with the increase in product exports, reinforces Brazil's interest in other international markets. We are working to further expand cargo volume via waterways, as this translates into increased employment and income for the Brazilian people," stated Silvio Costa Filho, Minister of Ports and Airports (MPor).

Between January and August, according to MPor, Brazilian ports reached 914.8 million tons — the highest volume in the historical series and 2.8% above that recorded in 2024. The greatest growth was recorded in private terminals, with an increase of 11%.

Among public ports, Itajaí, in Santa Catarina, stood out, with a significant 412% increase in throughput, a direct result of the Federal Government's resumption of operations. So far this year, the port has already handled twice the volume recorded last year, totaling 2.5 million tons.

There were also records across all waterway transportation modes. Long-haul, which involves exports and imports, reached 95.4 million tons. Cabotage between Brazilian ports reached 28.2 million tons, while inland transport between river ports totaled 8.1 million tons.

Among cargo types, the highlight was the 25% increase in liquid bulk, with a record volume of 32.5 million tons in August. Oil and petroleum products accounted for 22.5 million tons, a 33.4% increase compared to the same month in 2024, solidifying the energy sector as a pillar of Brazil's export agenda.

Iron ore exports grew 11.3%, totaling 42.2 million tons, while corn increased 3.4%, reaching 10.7 million tons.