Soybean harvest drives up freight prices on the country's main routes.

The progress of the soybean harvest is putting pressure on freight prices on the main routes monitored by the National Supply Company (Conab). Soybean production could reach 178 million tons. The removal of the grain from farms increases the demand for transportation. The outflow of corn is also gaining momentum to free up warehouses.

According to Thomé Guth, Superintendent of Operational Logistics at Conab, the movement follows seasonality. January and February concentrate a large part of the harvest. The arrival of a large crop increases the demand for trucks and exposes limitations in supply.

In Mato Grosso, the main grain producer, January saw the harvest of one-third of the soybean crop. February could see a volume close to 50 million tons. The high supply of corn from the previous cycle is also putting pressure on the system. Soybeans and corn are competing for transport and space in logistics corridors.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, demand for freight remained strong. Exports and a recovery in domestic purchases sustained the activity. In the Federal District, January saw widespread increases compared to December, driven by higher costs and traditionally strong demand.

In Piauí, the market showed little activity. The reduction in the flow of corn and soybeans limited demand. Even so, the main routes registered an average increase of 15% compared to December. The recently started harvest may heat up the market in the coming days.

In Paraná, demand fluctuated. The variations reflected regional characteristics and the availability of return loads. In Goiás, the delay in the soybean cycle limited the harvest to 2% of the area by the end of January. Productivity reached 3.858 kg/ha. The concentration of the harvest after February 20th may intensify logistical pressure.

Bahia and Maranhão maintained stability in their main markets. In Maranhão, small fluctuations accompanied the stabilization of diesel prices, according to data from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). In São Paulo, January saw a drop in freight rates due to weak demand. Soybeans may reverse this trend starting in February.

Corn exports totaled 4,2 million tons in January, compared to 3,6 million in the same month of 2025. The Northern Arc accounted for 44,7% of shipments. The port of Santos handled 36,9%. Paranaguá accounted for 10,4%. São Francisco do Sul registered 1,4%.

Soybean exports reached 1,8 million tons. Santos led with 35,3%. Paranaguá accounted for 34%. The Northern Arc region exported 25,3%. São Francisco do Sul participated with 5,4%.