Bahia records 20% growth in solid bulk movement

Port of Salvador leads operations, driven by cotton exports

Bahia's ports handled 1.2 million tons in July, driven primarily by solid mineral and vegetable bulk cargo, which rose 20.45%. The Port of Salvador accounted for the largest volume, with 627,000 tons. This is the latest data from the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) Statistical Dashboard.

According to Antonio Gobbo, president of the Bahia State Dock Company (Codeba), the state-owned company has been investing in infrastructure to keep up with growing demand. "We are reorganizing spaces, building alternative access points, and expanding the pier, in a series of projects that will double the capacity of the Port of Salvador. Furthermore, we have two projects for the Port of Aratu: ATUs 12 and 18, which will operate with solid bulk for the first time, which will make all the difference," he stated.

By the end of this year, according to the Systematic Survey of Agricultural Production (LSPA/IBGE), cotton production in Bahia is expected to reach 1.87 million tons, an increase of 5.4% compared to the previous year. The state remains the largest producer in the Northeast and second in the national ranking. Soybean production is also expected to reach a record harvest, with an estimated increase of 14.3%.

Port movement in Brazil

Nationally, Brazilian ports recorded the highest monthly cargo volume in history in July, totaling 124.7 million tons. Long-distance shipping accounted for 73% of this total, while cabotage accounted for 20%. Between January and July, the total reached 780.4 million tons, a 1.76% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Dry bulk cargo led the country's movement, totaling over 76.6 million tons in the month. Other segments also saw growth, with liquid bulk growing 6%, containerized cargo up 3%, and general cargo up 0.9% compared to July last year.