Paraná can export more to China

Ports of Paraná strengthened trade relations with China by signing a letter of intent with a Chinese operator (José Fernando Ogura/AEN)

The ports of Paraná aim to increase the capacity for shipping goods to the Asian market, the largest international destination for products from Paraná. To achieve this, the state-owned public company managing the ports of Paranaguá and Antonina claims to be investing in various structural and logistical enhancements.

According to the port authority, the change in the U.S. presidency and the potential for renewed trade tensions with China—resulting in increased mutual tariffs—could benefit Paraná.

Of the US\$ 20 billion generated from Paraná’s product exports between January and October 2024, US\$ 5.4 billion was purchased by China, representing 27% of the year's revenue. The data comes from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services (MDIC).

During the same period, state exports to the United States totaled US\$ 1.2 billion, just over a quarter of the volume sent to China. Following the U.S. were exports to Argentina (US\$ 951 million), Mexico (US\$ 849 million), and Paraguay (US\$ 526 million).

To further strengthen commercial ties with China, the State Secretary of Infrastructure and Logistics, Sandro Alex, and the CEO of Ports of Paraná, Luiz Fernando Garcia, visited China last week. They signed a letter of intent with representatives of China Merchants Port Holdings (CMPort), one of the world’s largest operators of container terminals.

“This signing marks a milestone in the relations between the two countries, promoting commercial growth and strengthening ties. The agreement has significant potential to generate sustainable wealth and further advance economic development in Paraná”, stated the State Secretary of Infrastructure and Logistics.

Since March 2018, when CMPort took control of the Paranaguá Container Terminal (TCP), the group has maintained a strategic partnership with Ports of Paraná and the State Government for project execution and investments. In 2024, TCP ranks as the second-largest container handler in Brazil.

“Paraná was the first place in Brazil where CMPort chose to invest in 2018, and years later, the company continues to invest in the state, reflecting the credibility and importance Paraná holds with one of the world’s largest economic groups. The letter of intent we signed aims to enhance and expand the infrastructure of TCP”, said the CEO of Ports of Paraná.

In 1997, the first year of the MDIC historical series, China accounted for 4.3% of Paraná’s exports, with total revenue of US\$ 206.8 million. By 2023, this share had risen to 28.2% (US\$ 7.1 billion).

The primary product driving this trade relationship between Paraná and China is soybeans, which account for the largest volume of exports in both weight and value.