Brazil’s port volumes rebounding

The greatest growth so far this year has occurred in the bulk trades, particularly iron ore exports to China, the Far East and Europe through three private terminals. Other double-digit increases include chemicals, soybeans, bauxite, sugar, fertilisers, and steel.

The ANTAQ data show Brazil’s container trade rebounding from the steep decline that followed the onset of the 2008 financial crisis. Box throughput was up 9.4% for the quarter to 1.3m teu and 9% for the half year to 2.4m teu from 2009, but fell short of 2008 totals for the comparable periods by 4.3% and 9.9%, respectively.

Unlike the optimistic prediction of some port and terminal operators, ANTAQ doubts container volumes will return to their 2008 levels before 2012.