Port of Santos expected to handle 62% of Brazil’s corn and soybean exports this month

Santos accounts for 62% of the country’s grain exports (Carlos Nogueira/AT)

The Port of Santos is set to handle 62% of Brazil's corn and soybean exports throughout January. According to data from the Santos Port Authority (APS), approximately 3 million tons of these two grains are expected to be shipped through Brazilian ports this month. Of that total, 1.86 million tons will be exported through the Santos complex by January 31.

According to figures released by the National Association of Grain Exporters (Anec) to A Tribuna, of the total volume projected for the Port of Santos this month, corn will account for 1.46 million tons, while soybeans will represent the remaining 400,000 tons.

For the first half of the year at Brazil's largest port complex, projections indicate an 8.9% increase in the volume of these two grains.

In 2024, soybean exports reached 27.9 million tons. For the first six months of 2025, the estimate is 30.8 million tons, an 11% increase.

For corn, 16 million tons were exported from January to June last year. In the same period in 2025, exports are expected to reach 17 million tons, representing a 6% increase.

In a statement, Anec explained that, typically, soybeans represent a larger share of the grain volume handled in Santos compared to other grains. However, in January, this trend reverses, with corn dominating due to most soybeans still being in the fields. The volume of soybeans is expected to increase in February with the initial harvests of the new crop.

Outlook Soybean production in Brazil is forecasted to reach 170 million tons in 2025, while exports could hit 110 million tons, surpassing the 104 million tons exported last year.

Corn production is estimated at 130 million tons, with an optimistic projection of 42 million tons exported this year due to robust harvests.

The numbers could be even higher if not for seasonal and logistical adjustments over the past few weeks, caused by low stock levels as warehouses and equipment prepare to receive the new harvest.

Annual Expectations The outlook for 2025 remains optimistic compared to 2024. According to APS, growth starting in February will be driven by the significant arrival of new grain harvests in the market and Brazil's global competitiveness.

Despite price pressures from strong harvests in the United States and Argentina, Brazil's abundant supply is expected to support increased exports in the coming months.