Agricultural freight rates fluctuate with the rise in corn prices and exports.

Corn and soybean exports grew cumulatively through July 2026, with strong outflows through the ports of the Northern Arc. In annual comparison, corn shipments abroad reached 9,8 million tons, an increase of 10,53% compared to the same period in 2025. For soybeans, 82,9 million tons were exported in the first seven months of the year, representing 7,8% more than the accumulated total in the previous cycle. From a state perspective, Mato Grosso (MT) was responsible for the largest volume of production destined for foreign trade of both commodities, as shown in the Logistics Bulletin released by the National Supply Company (Conab) this Friday (August 28).

As the country's main grain producer, the state of Mato Grosso experienced a decline in road freight rates on most routes surveyed by the Company in July. After a period of increased traffic between March and April, influenced by the soybean harvest, prices showed a percentage reduction on 18 of the 25 routes, ranging from a decrease of up to 11% to an increase of up to 4% compared to June. According to Conab's assessment, despite the downward trend observed, the reference base starts from a high level, which takes into account the dynamics of grain production in the 2025/26 harvest. Furthermore, the rise in domestic corn consumption and the expansion of the railway network in Mato Grosso also influence the situation.

In Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), freight rates decreased monthly in several locations. However, the correlation shows growth in the annual variation, with an increase in prices on 15 of the 17 routes surveyed. For the outflow of corn, the medium and long-distance road transport flow for animal feed supply and the supply of local bioenergy industries and agro-industrial cooperatives mobilized the month of July. In Goiás (GO), the logistics panorama showed a decline in monthly and annual percentages on most routes. Climatic conditions influenced the progress of the second corn crop harvest, with heterogeneous progress among the regions of the state. Also in the Central-West region, all routes originating in the Federal District (DF) showed positive variation in monthly and annual percentage terms. The high levels in July reflect the progress of the second corn crop harvest and operational costs. Compared to the same period in 2025, prices grew between 9% and 32%.

In Bahia, freight rates fell by up to 8% last month, becoming cheaper on most routes. This was a result of decreased soybean stocks, common for this period, and lower prices for some products, such as corn. However, the annual outlook shows pressured prices, up to 16% higher for some destinations. In Maranhão, the peak soybean and corn outflow in previous months reduced the demand for agricultural cargo transport, leading to lower freight rates. On routes in Piauí, agricultural freight rates fluctuated between a 12% decrease and a 9% increase, with a predominant reduction in July, due to the off-season and other seasonal factors.

In the logistics corridors of Paraná (PR), the flow in July was boosted by the second corn crop. On the route between Campo Mourão and the port of Paranaguá, prices increased by about 40%, also driven by soybean exports. In the Southeast region, however, routes from São Paulo to the port of Santos decreased. 

Exports 

Corn exports through the ports of the Northern Arc from January to July 2026 represented 46,12% of the total shipped abroad. During the same period, the distribution center concentrated 39,03% of soybean exports and 12,28% of soybean meal exports. The port of Santos was the second main hub for exporting both commodities, totaling 22,27% of corn shipments and 35,74% of soybean shipments. For soybean meal, 43,79% of shipments were made through the port on the coast of São Paulo. 

Imports 

Cumulative fertilizer imports through July 2026 reached 22,4 million tons. This figure is approximately 7,48% lower than that recorded in the same period of 2025.