Brazilian Port Activity in 2025: Container Movement Trends

In-Depth Analysis

### Santa Catarina Port Performance

In the first half of 2025, Santa Catarina's ports demonstrated a strong performance with a 12.5% increase in container movement, totaling 1.38 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). This figure represents 18.9% of the total containerized cargo movement in Brazil. However, June experienced a 6.5% decrease, with 216,700 TEUs moved.

Economist Pablo Bittencourt from FIESC suggests that the June decline may be due to US buyers anticipating tariff changes and adjusting their inventory levels accordingly. Data from Antaq supports this, showing a decrease in exports of key products such as sawn wood (-36%) and plywood (-8%).

### Key Regional Ports

**Itapoá:** Increased container movement by 30.6%, reaching 741,350 TEUs, ranking 3rd in Brazil.
**Portonave:** Experienced a 20.7% decrease, with 484,300 TEUs.
**Itajaí:** Increased operations to 103,900 TEUs in the first half of the year.
**Imbituba:** Advanced containerized cargo movement by 4.6% to 52,240 TEUs.

### National Aquaviary Sector

The aquaviary sector moved 653.7 million tons of cargo in the first half of 2025, a 1.02% increase compared to the same period last year. According to data from Antaq, this is the highest volume recorded for the first six months of the year since 2010. June also saw a record with 120.4 million tons moved.

### Broader Economic Context

In July, Brazil saw the opening of 433,000 new small businesses, accounting for 96.3% of all companies registered that month. From January to July, 3.1 million new companies were opened, with small businesses making up 96.9% of the total.

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FAQ

What factors contributed to the decline in container movement in June in Santa Catarina ports?

Anticipation of tariff changes by US buyers and adjustments to inventory levels.

Which port in Santa Catarina had the highest increase in container movement?

Itapoá, with a 30.6% increase.

What percentage of new companies opened in Brazil are small businesses?

96.9% between January and July 2025.

Takeaways

Santa Catarina ports showed overall growth in the first half of 2025 but experienced a decline in June.
The aquaviary sector in Brazil continues to grow, reaching record volumes in cargo movement.
Small businesses are a significant driver of new company creation in Brazil.

Discussion

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Sources

Movimentação de contêineres cai em junho, mas portos de SC fecham semestre com alta de 12,5% De volta aos holofotes, Itajaí é destaque no melhor semestre dos portos da história do país O setor aquaviário movimentou 653,7 milhões de toneladas de cargas no primeiro semestre de 2025

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