Conab points to drop in freight prices

The end of the soybean harvest in important producing regions has caused a drop in road freight prices on several routes in the country. The information is included in the April edition of the Logistics Bulletin of the National Supply Company (Conab), which highlights a reduction in prices mainly in Mato Grosso, where the cooling began in areas that finished harvesting earlier.

Despite the temporary decline, Conab predicts that prices should remain high in the short term, driven by expectations of a large corn harvest and the logistical movement it should generate. Another factor putting pressure on prices could be the intensification of international demand for Brazilian production, given the trade uncertainties between the United States and China.

In addition to Mato Grosso, freight prices also fell in Goiás, Piauí, Maranhão and Paraná — with the exception of routes departing from Ponta Grossa, which saw an increase. In Bahia, prices fluctuated between stability and increase, depending on the location. In the Federal District, there was a general increase in March, but the trend for the coming months is stability, considering the lower demand after the harvest.

In Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais, prices remained high, reflecting the peak in soybean transportation. In São Paulo, there was also an increase in prices, but at more moderate levels.

Exports

In March, Brazil exported 5,9 million tons of corn — below the 7 million shipped in the same month in 2024. The port of Santos leads the flow, with 29,1% of the total, followed by the ports of Arco Norte (26,3%), São Francisco do Sul (16%) and Paranaguá (12,7%).

Soybean exports totaled 22,2 million tons in the month. Santos also leads this flow, with 36% of shipments, followed by the ports of Arco Norte (34,4%), Paranaguá (15,8%) and Rio Grande (3,4%).