New Link Between Brazil and Pacific Reduces Costs, Shortens Distances and Transforms Logistics in Mato Grosso do Sul
The export of beef from Mato Grosso do Sul to Chile may gain new momentum with the binational bridge over the Paraguay River. The structure is in the final construction phase.
Integrating the bioceanic corridor, this structure could triple beef shipments to Chile, according to estimates from the Union of Refrigerated Food, Meat and Derivatives Industries of Mato Grosso do Sul (Sicadems).
Furthermore, the new route promises to shorten distances and reduce delivery times to markets in Asia and Oceania.
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Alternative Route Cuts Costs and Shortens Journey
Currently, the state exports around 360 thousand tons of beef to Chile, using complex and costly routes.
The products pass through Asunción, Paraguay, through Paraná to Argentina or through Rio Grande do Sul.
These routes cross multiple borders, accumulate tolls, and increase delivery time.
With the new corridor, shipments will leave from Porto Murtinho (MS), cross the Paraguayan Chaco and proceed along highways to northern Chile.
According to Sérgio Capucci, vice director of Sicadems, the new route fosters trade relations with Chile and Peru.
Additionally, there is potential to export to Asia via the Pacific, with cost assessments compared to the port of Santos (SP).
Road connectivity between the countries expands logistical reach, opening previously unviable opportunities for the state’s meatpacking sector.
Binational Bridge Will Be Delivered in November 2025
The bridge over the Paraguay River has reached 80% physical completion as of July 2025, according to the Binational Consortium Pybra.
The delivery is scheduled for November this year.
The engineers designed the structure, with 1.2 thousand meters in length and towers 125 meters high, to support heavy vehicles.
This type of construction favors the transport of large-scale cargo.
The investment is US$ 109 million, financed by the Paraguayan side of Itaipu Binacional.
The bridge will connect Porto Murtinho to Carmelo Peralta, linking the road networks of Brazil to Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile.
The new route will allow direct access to the ports of Antofagasta and Iquique in Chile.
It eliminates reliance on longer routes such as the Panama Canal or the Cape of Good Hope.
This integration strengthens the strategic role of the bioceanic corridor in South American logistics.
Exports to China Gain a New Option via Pacific
Today, a container departing from Santos to China travels about 24 thousand kilometers in up to 54 days.
Using Chilean ports shortens the journey by up to 7 thousand kilometers and 20 days.
The time depends on port logistics and the Asian destination.
Cláudio Cavol, president of Setcems, states that currently, exports to northern Chile are nearly nonexistent.
Most cargo passes through Dionísio Cerqueira (SC) or São Borja (RS), increasing the distance by 700 to 1,000 km.
With the completion of the new corridor, routes become more direct and efficient.
This could attract new export demands for the state.
The regional logistics will benefit, especially in transporting high-value-added cargo, such as that from the animal protein industry.
This territorial reconfiguration enhances the competitiveness of Mato Grosso do Sul in international markets.
Logistics Sector Calls for Customs Improvements and Driver Training
Although the works are progressing, the crossing through Paraguay still has bottlenecks. Therefore, trucks can take up to eight days on the route.
In this scenario, customs procedures cause queues and delays. Consequently, the transportation sector is calling for modernization in customs processes.
To speed things up, they request agility at the borders. Meanwhile, while road infrastructure improves, bureaucratic adjustments are still necessary.
Moreover, training drivers has become a priority. For this reason, Setlog-MS has started courses with the support of UEMS and has trained the first specialized class.
Thus, the focus is on safety, documentation, and efficiency to meet operations in four countries.


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