Impressive Growth In Cargo Handling
The Port of Imbituba, located in Santa Catarina (SC), has shown remarkable performance in the foreign trade sector, especially after the closure of access to the Port of Navegantes due to heavy rains in the region. In November, this Santa Catarina port recorded an impressive turnover of 699,745 tons, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. This significant growth is a clear indication of the Port of Imbituba’s capacity and efficiency in dealing with logistical challenges.
Impact Of Rains On Foreign Trade
The Port of Imbituba has been a fundamental pillar for balancing foreign trade operations in Santa Catarina. Recent rains, which resulted in the closure of access to the Port of Navegantes, have elevated the importance of Imbituba in the logistical landscape. In October, the port saw a jump in container handling, increasing from a weekly average of 1,250 to 7,000 units. Moreover, in November, the 20% growth compared to the previous year and 23% compared to last month highlight the Port of Imbituba’s quick and effective response capacity to market changes.
Focus On Break Bulk Cargo
Although specialized in break bulk cargo such as salt, corn bran, and soybeans, the Port of Imbituba has shown impressive adaptability by absorbing the demand for container operations in response to the closure of the Barra do Rio Itajaí-Açú. The port’s strategic location, in deep waters and near BR-101, has been crucial for maintaining and even normalizing foreign trade services in the state, even in the face of operational difficulties.
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Expectations For The End Of The Year
The Port of Navegantes, affected by the rains, was out of operation for 21 days, significantly impacting the flow of ships and cargo. In contrast, the Port of Imbituba estimates handling about 7.3 million tons by the end of the year, reflecting a 2.5% increase compared to the previous year. These numbers not only demonstrate the resilience and capacity of the Port of Imbituba but also solidify its crucial role in the logistics landscape of Santa Catarina.
Superior Performance In Santa Catarina
Compared to other ports in the state, such as Itajaí, Itapoá, São Francisco do Sul, and Navegantes, the overall growth in Santa Catarina in the first eight months of the year was 7.94%, surpassing the national average of 5.72%, according to data from the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (Antaq). Specifically in the container segment, Santa Catarina stands out with the best performance among the Southern states, with two ports, Portonave and Porto Itapoá, ranking among the four largest in the country. This success is a testament to the efficiency and strategy applied in the Santa Catarina port sector.
In summary, the Port of Imbituba, through its effectiveness and strategic adaptation, not only overcame the challenges imposed by adverse weather conditions but also demonstrated to be a key player in the foreign trade of Santa Catarina, significantly contributing to the region’s economic growth.
About Tek Trade
Tek Trade is a company from Santa Catarina that has been operating since 2005 in the import and export sector in Brazil. It is a founding member of SINDITRADE – Union of Foreign Trade Companies of the State of Santa Catarina. With thousands of successful import and export operations, Tek Trade possesses all the necessary knowledge to operate in foreign trade efficiently, serving both small and large companies.
Source: Stéphanie Stahl – Rotas Comunicação.

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