A survey by the Association of Private Port Terminals (ATP) shows that the Brazilian trade flow via sea totaled US$ 492.5 billion in 2024, registering a growth of 2.24% compared to 2023, while the Brazilian trade balance via sea declined 12.9% in the same comparison.
The trade flow is the sum of exports and imports, while the trade balance, or balance, is the difference between sales and foreign purchases. In the Brazilian case, the balance is positive.
According to the study carried out by the entity’s Research and Development Coordination and obtained exclusively by BroadcastBrazilian ports consolidated their position as drivers of foreign trade last year, being responsible for 97.2% of the total volume of exports and imports. In FOB (Free On Board) value, the representation was 82.1%.
“To sustain this protagonism, continuous investments in infrastructure and efficiency will be crucial, ensuring that Brazil maintains its competitiveness and explores new opportunities in the international market”, highlights the president of ATP, Murillo Barbosa.
According to the ATP, the Brazilian trade balance was pressured last year by the increase in imports and the drop in the average value of key commodities, such as soybeans (-16.5%), mineral fuels (-4.07%) and ores (-3.06%). On the other hand, some Brazilian products gained prominence on the international scene.
“Coffee, for example, recorded an impressive growth of 52.7% in FOB value, driven by an increase in both the quantity exported and average prices. Cellulose also showed positive results, with an increase of 34.8% in the same indicator, consolidating itself as one of the main items in the country’s export basket”, informs ATP.
The association brings together 35 large companies and 69 private terminals in Brazil. Together, the associates handle 60% of Brazilian port cargo and are responsible for generating 47 thousand direct and indirect jobs.
