Brazil sharply increases soybean and corn exports through northern ports

Brazil has significantly increased soybean and corn exports through its Northern Arc port corridor, which is gradually becoming one of the country’s main routes for agricultural shipments to global markets. According to analytics company Kpler, Brazil exported 48 mln tons of soybeans and corn through its northern ports from the beginning of 2026, more than 66% above the level recorded during the same period in 2020. Expanding export infrastructure is allowing Brazil to increase shipments while reducing its dependence on traditional southern ports.

Growth has been particularly strong in the corn segment. In July–October 2026, northern ports accounted for 56% of Brazil’s total corn exports, compared with 46% during the same period last year. As a result, the Northern Arc corridor now handles more than half of Brazil’s corn export shipments during the peak marketing period for the new crop.

According to Kpler, the development of the northern corridor accounts for a significant share of Brazil’s expanding export capacity. Compared with the same period in 2020, the country’s total soybean and corn exports increased by 30%, while shipments through southern ports grew by just 17%. This indicates a gradual shift in export flows toward northern terminals, which are increasingly competing with traditional logistics hubs.

The expansion of Northern Arc handling capacity has significantly reduced pressure on Brazil’s major southern ports, particularly Santos and Paranaguá. Despite growing overall export volumes, average vessel waiting times at Paranaguá declined to 9 days, compared with 13 days in 2025 and 22 days in 2024. This reflects improved port capacity and fewer seasonal delays during peak grain and oilseed shipping periods.

Further development of the Northern Arc corridor could strengthen the competitiveness of Brazilian soybeans and corn in international markets through more efficient cargo distribution and shorter logistics delays. According to Kpler, the expansion of northern ports has already become an important factor in increasing the country’s overall export capacity. If this trend continues, Brazil will be better positioned to handle growing agricultural export volumes while reducing pressure on its southern routes.

Tags: corn, Brazil, soybean