MACAPÁ, BRAZIL - The port in the municipality of Santana, in Brazil’s Amapá state, has become a strategic route for exporting soybeans produced in the country’s Center-West region. The terminal’s location shortens transportation distances to international markets and attracts producers and exporters seeking to reduce logistics costs.

Soybean shipments through the port have increased in recent years. In 2021, the terminal handled 200,000 metric tons of soybeans.

According to the management of the Santana Port Authority, the volume reached 1.2 million metric tons in 2025. The forecast for 2026 is 1.4 million metric tons.

About 97% of the volume comes primarily from Mato Grosso state, in the Center-West region. Production from Amapá is expected to account for approximately 3% of the total, equivalent to about 30,000 metric tons per year.

The port’s geographic location helps explain the route’s expansion. Transporting Center-West production to the Port of Santana avoids sending part of the cargo thousands of kilometers by road to other ports. According to the Santana Port Authority, the route through Amapá can reduce logistics costs by up to 30%.

The port has also expanded its infrastructure to handle the increased volume. A new shiploader has increased loading capacity. The terminal also has three silos for storing soybeans and corn, with a combined capacity of 54,000 metric tons.

Amazon Agency