Brazil’s Port of Itaqui posted record handling figures in May 2026. Dry bulk and soya exports amounted to 2.76 million tonnes, which is the highest volume ever recorded by the port in any given month. Soya alone totalled 2.18 million tonnes, itself a new record for this product, which had previously stood at 2.15 million tonnes.
The importance of dry bulk at Itaqui cannot be over-emphasised, since its now accounts for 71% of total traffic, compared to liquid bulk at 24%, and general cargo at 4.3%. For the end of 2026 alone, Itaqui should have handled around 13.37 million tonnes.
When quizzed as to the reasons for its success, the Maranhão Port Management Company (EMAP), stresses constant planning, investment and operational improvements. It notes investment in infrastructure, innovation, operational efficiency and logistics integration to meet growing demand with ever-increasing quality and competitiveness.
The quantity of grain flowing through the port has risen from 11.55 million tonnes in 2021 to 20.14 million tonnes in 2025, equivalent of growth of around 74%. EMAP says that, to achieve this, has meant working in a coordinated manner with operators, terminals, railways and other partners to ensure smoother operations and reduced bottlenecks throughout the chain. In addition, the current performance is indicative of the port’s ability to absorb growth in Brazilian agricultural production.