Brazil, with its vast territorial and coastal extension, boasts a network of essential port facilities for international trade. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 main ports of Brazil, highlighting not only their history and relevance but also how they manage various types of cargo, from full loads to LCL.

Each port has its uniqueness, and throughout this reading, you’ll gain a comprehensive view of this vast logistical system that connects Brazil to the world. Join us on this journey!

Brazilian Port Structure

Due to its vast territorial extension and geographical diversity, Brazil has a significant network of port facilities spanning both its extensive coastline and inland regions. Overall, the country hosts 175 cargo port facilities, comprising ports, maritime terminals, and waterway installations.

Delving into the country’s interior geography reveals the richness of Brazil’s river basins, which have been essential for establishing ports and terminals throughout the inland territory.

There are 76 inland terminals, distributed as follows: 18 in the South, 6 in the Midwest, and a significant 52 in the North. These figures underscore the importance of river navigation and internal waterways as critical means of transport and production flow.

In contrast to this extensive inland network, there are 99 maritime ports and terminals strategically positioned along Brazil's coastline. These are vital to the country’s economy, linking Brazil to various parts of the world and facilitating the export and import of a wide array of goods.

Thus, Brazil’s port structure not only reflects the country’s geographical diversity but also showcases its ability to integrate and interconnect different regions, fostering trade and sustainable development.

The 10 Main Ports of Brazil

Brazil’s extensive list of ports can be overwhelming. However, we’ve compiled the 10 most relevant ports for import and export below:

Port of Santos

When discussing Brazilian international maritime trade, the Port of Santos is a must-mention.

Its relevance extends beyond the contemporary era: as early as the 14th century, the Santos region, along with São Vicente, played a strategic role in accessing South America’s river basins, notably the Rio de la Plata, connecting Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina.

According to data from the American Association of Port Authorities, the Port of Santos ranks 43rd among the world’s largest ports and is the only Latin American port among the top 44.

The figures are impressive: annually, the port handles around 4.1 million TEUs (20-foot container equivalent units), solidifying its position as Brazil’s leading port in both tonnage and container volume.

In 2021, the Port of Santos stood out as Brazil’s main customs clearance unit. For imports, the port handled approximately $62.8 billion, specifically $62,839,535,049. Concurrently, for exports, it maintained its dominance, with transactions totaling about $72 million, precisely $72,163,311,047.

Port of Paranaguá

One of Brazil’s most iconic port facilities, the Port of Paranaguá, has deep roots in Brazilian history. Opened alongside the Paranaguá Captaincy in 1853, its initial functions were primarily as an anchorage.

However, within less than two decades, in 1872, the site was officially elevated to port status. Even then, it was among the largest port infrastructures in the country.

The Port of Paranaguá’s trajectory is marked by continuous evolution. Between 1926 and 1933, under Paraná’s state government supervision, a series of improvement works further boosted its capacity and efficiency.

One of its greatest symbols of strength is the Paranaguá Container Terminal (TCP), the largest of its kind in South America, representing a milestone not only for Paraná but also for the entire continent.

With a rich legacy and cutting-edge operational capacity, the Port of Paranaguá remains one of Brazil’s main entry and exit points for goods, playing a strategic role in both national and international trade.

For the full translation, let me know! This snippet covers most of the structure and the first two ports.