New maritime route between Brazil and China connects ports of Gaolan, Salvador, and Santana

Between January and March, Bahia exported approximately US\$ 1.2 billion to China and imported US\$ 800 million in Chinese products (Praticagem da Bahia/Disclosure)

A new direct maritime route between China and Brazil began operating last week, establishing an unprecedented connection between the Port of Gaolan in Zhuhai and the Brazilian ports of Santana (Amapá) and Salvador (Bahia). This initiative represents a significant advancement in the trade relations between the two countries, with logistical, economic, and geopolitical impacts. Furthermore, it reinforces Brazil's position as a strategic partner of China.

The new route, resulting from bilateral agreements signed between the Brazilian and Chinese governments, symbolizes a moment of economic and technological cooperation. The direct connection between Brazil and Asia will expand access to emerging markets in South America, strengthening the role of Brazilian ports in global logistics.

The new maritime corridor directly serves strategic agricultural and mineral production zones, consolidating the ports of Santana and Salvador as hubs for the shipment of products such as soybeans, iron ore, beef, and cellulose, in addition to facilitating the import of industrial and technological inputs from Asia.

Between January and March of 2025, Bahia exported approximately US\$ 1.2 billion to China and imported US\$ 800 million in Chinese products. According to Antonio Gobbo, CEO of the Port Authority of Bahia (Codeba), the opening of this new direct link establishes a strategic commercial route with southern China and Hong Kong. "It will save travel time, reduce freight costs, and complement the existing Bahia-Asia route, which currently operates with 366-meter ships. This demonstrates the commitment aligned with the guidelines of the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor)", Gobbo emphasized.

Advancements The Port of Salvador has the capacity to accommodate ships up to 150,000 tons of gross tonnage, operating with high efficiency in cargo handling. The Port of Gaolan, in China, is the only deep-water port in the region and handles up to 160 million tons per year.

Efficiency According to the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, the new route not only enhances the presence of Brazilian ports on the international stage, but also contributes to more efficient, sustainable, and integrated logistics. "We want this integration to translate into development for the North and Northeast states, following the sustainable agenda. "