Brazilian Ports to Break Record

For the first time, harbours in Brazil are expected to process one billion tons of cargo this year. This new record,  will represent an increase of more than twelve percent over 2011. The statistics are based on estimates from the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ).The biggest boost is apparently expected from Rio State, which is heading to take over the highest position from Espirito Santo.

There are three main sectors of Brazil’s maritime trade, import, export and domestic. All of them are expected to grow. However, of the three, by far the largest is the export dimension with an expected share approaching 60%. The general increase in water-borne commerce is based in no small part on new ports which have been developed or planned in the recent past. This includes facilities such as the Acu Superport in Rio de Janiero State.

Of particular concern for the national government is to try and boost the ‘domestic’ sector. This means providing incentives ( or indeed penalties) to get more movement of goods away from the heavily-congested road network. José Leônidas Cristino, the national Minister of Ports re-emphasised this as a priority recently. He explained that the target is, by 2025, to double the percentage of ‘internal’ freight carried on waterways from its present total of only 14%. He also outlined a new computerized system for handling traffic in all three sectors of maritime commerce. The aim of the new procedures is to cut down on the widespread congestion and delays which still bedevil some ports at ‘popular’ locations and times.

Clearly there is a close link between general trade and the extent to which vital international investment continues to be attracted to Brazil. Investment opportunities in the country are expected to be boosted by the expected further growth in maritime trade.