RS ports handle 28,2 million tons in 2025

Rio Grande do Sul's public port system—which encompasses the ports of Rio Grande, Pelotas, and Porto Alegre—handled 28.250.735 tons from January to July 2025. This figure represents consistent growth in the state's logistics performance, supported by operational recovery and a boom in foreign trade. The movement recorded in July, with over 4 million tons, contributed to positioning the year as one of the best in recent memory.

The consolidation of growth in the first seven months of 2025 reflects a scenario of infrastructure advancements, the resumption of routes, and greater logistical integration. Cargo diversification and the intensification of foreign trade reinforce positive expectations for the second half of the year.

With 23.378.809 tons handled during the period, the Port of Rio Grande maintained its leadership in the system, representing 82,43% of the total. The volume was 3,92% higher than in 2024 and 4,56% higher than in 2023, marking the best result since 2021. Container operations also showed significant growth, with 547.157 TEUs handled—a 25,84% increase over the previous year. Of these, 208.234 TEUs were destined for export and 214.806 TEUs for import.

Among the cargo segments, solid bulk accounted for 57,5% of the Port of Rio Grande's movement, totaling 13,7 million tons. General cargo totaled 8 million tons (34,2%), while liquid bulk reached 1,9 million tons (8,2%).

The main cargoes handled during the period were grains, flours and cereals, with 9,69 million tons; fertilizers, with 4,31 million tons; and cellulose, with 2,27 million tons. 

Exports via the Port of Rio Grande totaled 12.773.285 tons between January and July 2025. China was the main destination, with 3.955.155 tons shipped, representing 30,96% of the total. Next came Vietnam, with 1.132.841 tons (8,87%), and Indonesia, with 604.227 tons (4,73%).

In terms of imports, the Port of Rio Grande handled 6.081.020 tons in the year to July 2025. China was the main country of origin, with 1.212.066 tons, equivalent to 19,93% of the total. Next came Argentina, with 869.005 tons (14,29%), and Russia, with 634.346 tons (10,43%).

The Port of Pelotas handled 695.254 tons through July, a 7,51% increase compared to the same period last year. The Port of Porto Alegre saw a 56,75% decrease, totaling 176.671 tons.

"These figures reflect not only the strength of the port system, but also the resilience and competitiveness of Rio Grande do Sul's production chain. They are a direct result of the joint effort we have made to make our ports more agile, modern, and connected to international markets. The operational recovery and growth in throughput prove that we are on the right track—with a continued focus on infrastructure, innovation, sustainability, and valuing the teams that build these results daily. We will remain committed to expanding our results and consolidating Rio Grande do Sul as a strategic logistics reference in southern Brazil," emphasizes Cristiano Klinger, president of Portos RS.