Port of Itaqui strengthens agribusiness and connects Brazil to the global market

A terminal in Maranhão imports fertilizers and exports soybeans and corn to several countries, boosting the local and national economy.

The Port of Itaqui, in São Luís, Maranhão, has established itself as one of the logistical pillars of Brazilian agribusiness. The fourth-largest public port in the country and the main port in the Northern Arc, the terminal is a major entry point for fertilizers, which feed national agricultural production, and also the main export point for soybeans and corn harvested in the Center-North region to the international market.

Between January and July 2025, Itaqui handled more than 2.3 million tons of fertilizers, essential inputs for correcting and enriching soil. This volume represents an increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 1.9 million tons were handled. The shipments originate from countries such as Russia, China, Canada, the United States, India, Egypt, Oman, and Spain, and are processed by specialized companies before being sent to various Brazilian production centers.

Also between January and July of this year, the port shipped 10.7 million tons of soybeans (compared to 10.1 million in the same period in 2024) and more than 500,000 tons of corn, as well as wheat and other products. The grains are shipped to destinations such as Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Iran, Spain, Egypt, and Pakistan, confirming Itaqui's role as a major gateway for Brazilian production to the global market. Today, 75% of the terminal's exports are solid bulk, primarily soybeans.

Multimodal network

The port is served directly by the 4,238-km Transnordestina Railway (FTL), which runs through seven states in the Northeast, and by the 892-km Carajás Railway (EFC), which also transports pulp produced in Imperatriz, Maranhão. There is also an indirect connection to the North-South Railway, via Açailândia, which connects the region to the Southeast and expands new business opportunities. This multimodal network provides greater agility and predictability to cargo flow.

In addition to grains and fertilizers, Itaqui handles liquid bulk (25% of the total), such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas, from countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and India. The port also receives general cargo, such as locomotives, rails, pulp from Suzano (Imperatriz, Maranhão), and aluminum from Alumar.

Economic impact and jobs

Port activity in Itaqui supports a broad business network that generates direct and indirect jobs for thousands of workers. The chain involves importers, operators, transporters, suppliers of inputs and services, as well as government agencies such as the Federal Revenue Service, the Federal Police, the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq), the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), Vigiagro, and the Fire Department. Legislation also guarantees the participation of Casual Port Workers (TPAs) in operations, ensuring income opportunities in the region.

The Maranhão Port Administration Company (Emap) exercises port authority over Itaqui, ensuring infrastructure, vessel docking and undocking, safety, and environmental protection. The port is recognized for its agility, efficiency, and strategic location, factors that reinforce its position among the top three public ports for soybean exports and among the top five for imports of agricultural inputs.