Ports account for over 90% of Brazil's foreign trade, and Santos plays a strategic role in this

Connecting sea and land, Brazilian ports are the backbone of foreign trade, handling approximately 95% of the country's imports and exports, ensuring the supply of products that reach Brazilian homes. The most important and strategic of them all is the Port of Santos, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. According to the Port Authority of Santos (APS), it is connected to 600 destinations in more than 190 countries and accounts for 30% of the national commercial flow.

For the Executive President of the Brazilian Foreign Trade Association (AEB), José Augusto de Castro, the port system is of utmost importance for the country. “The port for Brazil is life. Without ports, there is no economy, no life, no economic development, nothing”, he says.

Santos is the entry point for various consumer goods and ensures that imported products reach the country efficiently, influencing the prices of goods in the market and sustaining various industries with essential inputs. Therefore, the port of Santos receives and distributes thousands of products, from the latest smartphones desired by young people to the orange juice that sweetens the daily lives of the population, or the fertilizers used by agribusiness to enhance the country’s crops.

Port consultant Roberto Paveck states that practically every Brazilian consumes or uses something that passed through the Port of Santos. “Whether it's food, electronics, medicine, or a vehicle, its operation directly impacts the daily life of the population. Since the late 19th century, when it was essential for immigration and the export of coffee, it has become the main connection between Brazil and the world”, he highlights.

The president of APS, Anderson Pomini, says that the main partner countries of the Port of Santos are China, the United States, Germany, Japan, and India. Nationally, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul stand out. These states, home to 86 million people, account for more than 50% of Brazil's GDP.

"In 2024, we reached a record of 180 million tons handled. APS, responsible for managing the port, also recorded a record net profit of R$ 844 million. This proves the efficiency and commitment of the company, which aims to move forward even further", he emphasizes.

Exports
The main products exported through the Port of Santos include petroleum oils and minerals (14%), iron ore (8.1%), soybeans (6.2%), unroasted coffee (4.9%), cellulose (3.7%), beef (3.8%), and sugars and molasses (3.8%). Together, the exports of these products yield US$ 48.3 billion for Brazil.

“Our port is responsible for the food security of several countries by exporting grains and proteins essential for massive populations in Asia, Africa, and even Europe”, he emphasizes.

Exports total US$ 22 billion in February
Data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services shows that in February of this year, exports totaled US$ 22.93 billion and imports US$ 23.25 billion. The total trade flow amounted to US$ 46.18 billion, representing an 11.1% increase compared to February 2024.

The exported value of US$ 22.93 billion represents a 1.8% decrease compared to the same month in 2024 (US$ 23.35 billion). On the other hand, imports grew by 27.6% compared to February 2024 (US$ 18.22 billion).

The result in imports was boosted by the purchase of an oil platform from China, worth US$ 2.7 billion.

The manufacturing industry stood out in exports, with an 8.1% growth for the month. Among the main industrial products exported are cellulose and meat.

Impacts
In addition to ensuring the efficient flow of goods, the Port of Santos also impacts other sectors. Ivam Jardim, director of Agência Porto Consultoria, states that the system promotes jobs, infrastructure, and improvements. "The port drives the regional and national economy by generating direct and indirect jobs, fostering the development of logistics infrastructure," he emphasizes.

This combination of efficient logistics and strategic access enhances the possibilities for economic development and wealth generation for the country. This results in activities that directly impact the lives of local residents, such as works on Avenida Perimetral, the construction of the long-awaited Santos-Guarujá tunnel, and the Valongo Park, explains Jardim.

Imports
Among the items imported by Brazil are vehicle parts, automobiles, medicines, insecticides, herbicides, nitrogen compounds, and fertilizers, which are essential for the country. Additionally, Brazil also receives vessels, platforms, and floating structures, which are employed in different sectors of the economy. The main origins and destinations of the trade flows through the Port of Santos are China, the United States, Germany, Japan, and India. International trade is intense with these countries, but expanding into new markets continues to be a priority, according to APS, with international delegations visiting the Port of Santos year-round to explore new opportunities.