This is a must-attend event for professionals looking to master data and emerging technologies in the shipping and trade sectors. Over two days, top Brazilian experts in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and predictive analytics will explore how these tools are driving strategic decision-making and optimizing performance in international trade.

“My expectations for DataSmart Shipping are sky-high, especially because the event will focus on the real impact of emerging technologies on the industry,” says event speaker Professor Walter Teixeira. “Many decisions today are swayed by hype and overblown marketing surrounding concepts like AI and Machine Learning, which have quickly gained traction on social media and in influencer discourse. But what truly makes a difference is building technological capital within companies—focusing on tangible solutions that solve real-world problems. We need to separate the noise from what will actually stick in the market, and I believe this event will be key to that discussion.”

Professor Miguel Lellis, another speaker, also shared his perspective: “DataSmart Shipping is highly anticipated because it addresses the fundamental backbone of any technological innovation: data management. There’s no point in talking about AI or predictive models without a solid framework for capturing and organizing information,” he explains. “A strong predictive model doesn’t appear out of thin air—it’s built on well-defined processes and high-quality data. The conference will show that before chasing major breakthroughs, companies must first establish a solid foundation, solve fundamental issues, and only then aim higher.”

Professor Enderson Junior is also eager to participate: “I’m really excited about this event because it brings together professionals from both academia and industry to discuss how technology is reshaping strategic decision-making. It’s a great opportunity to exchange insights with other specialists and explore practical solutions for global trade. I hope the event delivers plenty of actionable takeaways, especially in my area of expertise.”

In his panel discussion, “What Is the Current State of Market Intelligence in Brazil? What Pain Points Could AI Solve?” Enderson Junior will address Brazil’s progress in walking the path of market intelligence, the ongoing challenges of sourcing reliable data, standardization issues, and the need to make information more accessible and timely. “AI can be a game-changer by automating the analysis of massive datasets and identifying patterns that enhance decision-making. In the context of bids and competitive analysis, for example, Graph Theory can be applied to create corporate profiles, optimize partnership strategies, and mitigate risks. I hope my presentation meets the audience’s expectations,” he adds. “My main advice for attendees is to take full advantage of the event—Datamar is going all out to make it a success.”

Don’t miss this chance to deepen your expertise, stay ahead of the latest technology trends in trade and logistics, and engage with leading industry specialists.

Secure your spot now at datasmart.datamar.com.br!

DataSmart Shipping Conference: Applying Technology to Extract Value

• Date: March 25–26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Location: Blue Tree Premium Faria Lima Hotel – Av. Brig. Faria Lima, 3989, Itaim Bibi, São Paulo
• Register here

The inception of Expoforest, Latin America’s only dynamic forestry fair, can be traced back to 1977 when Jorge Malinovski, a passionate advocate for forestry harvesting in Brazil, organized a seminar in Curitiba. Over the years, the event grew in prominence, leading to the establishment of the Brazilian Forest Fair, Expoforest, in 2008. Even at its inception, the fair stood out as a modern and innovative gathering, attracting professionals and companies dedicated to the planted forest sector in the capital of Paraná.

During its second edition in 2011, Expoforest underwent a significant transformation, becoming Latin America’s first and only dynamic forestry fair—the fair showcased practical demonstrations of cutting-edge solutions for planting, handling, harvesting, and transporting wood. Since then, Expoforest has emerged as the premier event for launching technologies related to wood production from artificial forests on the global stage.

The 2011 and 2014 editions were held in Mogi Guaçu, São Paulo, within a clonal eucalyptus forest owned by International Paper, now Sylvamo. In 2018, in partnership with Sylvamo, Expoforest took place in Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, near Ribeirão Preto. With 240 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors, the fair exceeded expectations, elevating Brazil’s position as a significant player in large sector-specific dynamic fairs.

“Each edition of the fair brings new interactions with the public and exhibitors. We have observed that major brands leverage Expoforest to introduce new solutions for the global forest sector. The fair truly serves as a market showcase. Professionals from around the world come to Brazil to experience Expoforest and seek innovations that enhance productivity and sustainability,” explains Ricardo Malinovski, director of Expoforest.

The upcoming fifth edition of Expoforest will take place from August 9 to 11, 2023, in Guatapará, approximately 40 kilometers from Ribeirão Preto. Once again, the fair will be hosted within a eucalyptus plantation area owned by Sylvamo, the master promoter of Expoforest.

The fair will span over 200 hectares, with a designated area for static exhibits covering 7.5 hectares and 1 kilometer in length. The dynamic segment will comprise 3.7 kilometers of trails and 150 hectares. In addition, two parking lots measuring 6 hectares and 2 hectares respectively will be provided. The organizers anticipate a visitor count exceeding 30,000, reaffirming Expoforest’s status as the world’s largest dynamic forestry fair.

In addition to the fair, the Brazilian Forestry Week program includes two specialized events in Ribeirão Preto: the XIX Seminar on Wood Harvesting and Forest Transportation Systems, a longstanding and traditional technical event in the sector, and the 5th Brazilian Silviculture Meeting, co-organized by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation through its forestry-focused subdivision, Embrapa Florestas.

DataLiner Lite is an online research tool that allows you to filter Datamar’s database and obtain the exact information needed to track cargoes by their type, port handlings, and much more in seconds.

One of DataLiner Lite’s most notable features is that it is entirely online, allowing you to access the necessary information from wherever you are, including sets of historical data.

DataLiner Lite is updated weekly and allows unlimited data searches and the possibility of downloading this information, among other things.

DataLiner and DataLiner Lite enable you to query data on all seaborne imports and exports from South America’s East Coast. This data includes detailed information about each cargo vessel, port, shipowner, exporter, importer, and volumes shipped. All these are derived directly from cargo manifests received by Datamar through long-term trusted partnerships with ocean carriers.

Datamar’s main clients are shipowners, port terminals, exporters and importers of containerized and bulk cargo, freight forwarders, and shipping agencies.

Intermodal South America

Date: March 15-17, 2022

Das 13h às 21h no São Paulo Expo – SP

Datamar’s stand at the event: C125

The MoA was signed by Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, and by Mr Emanuele Grimaldi, President and Managing Director of the Grimaldi Foundation. The funding provided by the Foundation will facilitate capacity-building in a wide range of maritime and ocean topics including decarbonization and maritime energy management, shipping logistics, port management, law and policy and other relevant areas. This will contribute to a high level of academic and professional expertise for graduates in the maritime and ocean-related fields from South American and West African countries.

President Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry welcomed the agreement saying, “The MoA with the Grimaldi Foundation underscores the importance of industry support for WMU. The shipping industry directly benefits from the education that WMU provides for the maritime and ocean leaders of tomorrow, providing capacity building and leveling the playing field for an industry that is reliant on international cooperation.We are grateful to the Grimaldi Foundation for their support to WMU’s mission, and we look forward to our collaboration under this agreement.”

Mr Emanuele Grimaldi commented: “The Grimaldi Foundation is happy to start a cooperation with the World Maritime University, amplifying and at the same time internationalizing our involvement in granting an equal chance of access to superior level of education for young people from emerging countries. All economic academic investigations highlight that no development is possible in societies without investment in education. Through the partnership with WMU with respect to post-graduate education, we hope to do our part for helping the life of many students as well as the self-development of South American and West African States, in the field we know the most: the maritime field”.

The MoA amplifies the Foundation’s action of support towards an equal access to education in maritime
countries and communities in social need. Through the MoA, the Grimaldi Foundation, in its statutory
purpose to provide aid to young people in countries and contexts of poverty and social disease, will support the mission of WMU in several ways.

In addition to the fellowships, the MoA also includes a provision with the Grimaldi Group joining the WMU Industry Liaison Group that facilitates real-world private and public sector initiatives in support of WMU’s academic, research and capacity-building outcomes, including the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This targeted cooperation with the private sector aims to help reduce the environmental footprint of the shipping industry, promoting good governance and contributing to a better world. In addition, the MoA provides the possibility for Grimaldi Group senior staff to deliver lectures to WMU students and attend WMU conferences. They will also provide support for field studies undertaken by WMU as well as internships. The two Parties will also cooperate, where possible, in undertaking research with respect to Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) from ships.

This will support WMU’s important teaching and research role which includes an educational stream on Maritime Energy Management (MEM) that is a direct and effective mechanism for addressing GHG emissions from shipping. WMU is strongly committed to UN SDG Goal 13 – Climate Action and Goal 14 -Life Below Water.

The MoA exemplifies Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the shipping industry, taking into account social and environmental concerns and recognizing the important role that WMU plays in educating maritime and ocean leaders.

About WMU
The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU’s vision is to inspire leadership and innovation for a sustainable maritime and oceans future. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

About the Grimaldi Foundation and the Grimaldi Group
Established by Mr Emanuele Grimaldi in 2007 and backed by the entrepreneurial Grimaldi family in Naples, the Grimaldi Foundation pursues the benefit of disadvantaged youth and their families, as well as the development of solidarity projects and medical research. The Foundation, which has a capital of €24 million, invested over €12 million in social projects since its foundation, and has implemented a total of 220 projects. In the last two years only, the Foundation allocated over €7 million on various social projects and committed for another € 9 million.

The Grimaldi Group, is a fully integrated logistics holding specialising in maritime transport of cars, rolling cargo, containers and passengers. It has also evolved to become a multimodal transport operator offering “door to door” logistics services. For this purpose, the Grimaldi Group currently operates, together with strategic partners, various car and container terminals totaling over 6 million sq. metres in the Mediterranean, North Europe and West Africa as well as trucking companies for the transport of cars and containers. Wholly owned by the Grimaldi family, the company is headquartered in Naples, with branches in over 25 countries, 15,000 employees and over 130 vessels in more than 140 ports worldwide. In 2020, Grimaldi total revenues amounted to about €2.8 billion

The program, object of the agreement signed between the organizations, which is now covered by the fellowship offered by the Grimaldi Foundation, has a duration of 14 months and is divided into three periods. The first one is focused on Fundamental Studies. The second period focuses on Specialized Studies, in which the student must choose one of seven specialization options, and the third focuses on the Dissertation.

Many WMU alumni have worked, or are working, for high-level international institutions, ministries and renowned shipping companies. Maritime institutions, governments, port authorities, and maritime companies value sending young employees to this type of program, which results in human resources gains and in the creating of international contacts for the countries and companies where they originally operate.

Considering the Grimaldi Group’s ties to South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, where the group has been operating for more than three decades, and to countries in West Africa, where the group has operated for even longer, the Grimaldi Foundation decided to sponsor two students a year from these regions to attend the master’s program (Masters in Maritime Affairs) at the WMU headquarters in Malmo. This act reinforces Grimaldi Group’s social commitment to young professionals and students from these regions, granting them the opportunity to develop their skills in areas related to navigation, build solid networks in the context of world maritime organizations, in addition to creating growth opportunities for these future masters in their professional careers.

The program description is on the website below, as well as details on how to apply for one of the positions offered by the Grimaldi Foundation, in the “donors fellowship” category. Please note the application deadlines and that the program will begin in 2023. Applications expire on May 15, 2022, for students from countries outside the European Union. On the same website, the minimum requirements to participate in the selective process, which will be conducted by the university itself, are made available. Among others, some of these requirements are:

– Bachelor’s degree in a relevant filed, with a preference for courses related to foreign trade;

OR

– Certificate of competence as a Commander, Master or Chief Marine Engineer;

– Proven professional experience related to maritime transportation;

– Proficiency in the English language, proven by an internationally recognized standardized test (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge – CAE or CPE)

– Computer skills (Microsoft Office package user level)

For more details on applications and requirements, visit the website: www.wmu.se/programmes/msc-malmo

For more details on the agreement signed between the Grimaldi Foundation and the World Maritime University, visit: www.grimaldi.napoli.it/en/read_216.html

Upon completion of the bidding process, the mobilization of the work, the hydrographic surveys, and the execution of the dredging should take 3 months. The schedule also includes another month for the approval of the draft by the Brazilian Navy, after the end of services. “Making the dredging work feasible is the great task of our management for the Port of Recife so that it can re-establish and advance in activities that are important to our economy, such as moving sugar. In addition, the new depth will allow us to attract new projects, enable more companies to use our equipment, bring in new types of cargo, and expand passenger vessel movement. It is an emblematic step towards giving the Port of Recife the leading role it deserves within our state’s economic development strategy”, highlighted the Secretary for Economic Development, Geraldo Julio.

Dredging comprises desilting and clearing berths, access channels, and turning basins. The objective of this work is to establish a satisfactory depth for the Port of Recife, thus facilitating navigation and the arrival of larger ships. The federal resource earmarked for the execution and supervision of the work was in the order of R$ 28,500,000.00.

At the end of 2019, the state and federal governments, with the intervention of the State Economic Development Secretariat and the executing intervention of Porto do Recife SA, signed a Term of Commitment with the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) to execute the dredging works of the berth. The section from berth 00 to 01 will be deepened to a depth of 10 meters; from berth 02 to 06 to 11 meters; and from berth 07 to 09 to 8 meters deep. The sections mentioned will reach the maximum depths, at high tide, of 12.70m, 13.70m, and 10.7m respectively. There will be 832,208 cubic meters of sediment dredged from the berths, inner channel, and evolution basin.

During the month, exports totaled US$28.104 billion, while imports totaled US$17.732 billion — in both cases, an increase of 61% over the flows registered in June last year when the balance was in surplus of 6.5 billion dollars.

For the semester, the country registered a trade surplus of 37.496 billion dollars, against a positive balance of 22.295 billion dollars in the same period in 2020. During the period, exports grew 35.8% in comparison with the daily average, while imports increased 26 .6%.

Source: UOL

To read the full original article, visit the link:

https://economia.uol.com.br/noticias/reuters/2021/07/01/balanca-comercial-tem-superavit-de-us10372-bi-em-junho.htm

Government signs Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea for investments in the port area: In January, the Ministry of Infrastructure signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Korean government to encourage foreign trade and promote the exchange of must collaborate to encourage economic growth through the exchange of information on business opportunities, which includes logistics parks and port development projects.

Brazil and Argentina sign a Cooperation Agreement in the agricultural sector: Representatives of Brazil and Argentina signed an agreement to diversify the agricultural agenda between the two countries. One of the themes agreed upon is Argentina’s approval of the International Health Certificate model for the export of frog meat from Brazil. The International Zoosanitary Certificate model was also approved for the export of swine semen from Brazil to Argentina. Brazil reciprocally approved the International Zoosanitary Certificate model proposed by the Argentines for the importation of breeding cattle from Argentina.

Single Foreign Trade Portal reduces import bureaucracy at ports, airports, and borders: The implementation of the Single Foreign Trade Portal, an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and SECEX (the Secretariat of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economy) allows low-risk cargo or cargo which only requires document control to be released within just a few minutes, optimizing the inspection team time.

Phytosanitary Certificates are now issued with an electronic signature: As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Agriculture implemented the electronic signature for Phytosanitary Certificates that accompany the export of plant products. The measure was aimed at reducing physical contact between foreign trade agents and federal inspection.

Brazilian Internal Revenue Service extends the deadline for submitting a Certificate of Origin for imports: The Brazilian IRS has extended the deadline for submitting the Certificate of Origin to 60 days after the registration of the Import Declaration. The Certificate of Origin is a document that certifies the origin of the merchandise traded between countries that have trade agreements, which results in tariff benefits for the importer. The extension of the deadline for the presentation of the document was due to the difficulty encountered by Brazilian importers to obtain the document from the official agencies of the countries since they were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

European Union-Mercosur agreement is under pressure from France, Germany, and 265 other entities: In June, France declared its opposition to the free-trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur. In addition, 265 more organizations were also mobilized against the agreement. The attacks in Europe are also growing due to positions taken by President Jair Bolsonaro in the environmental area. At the same time, a “collective” of 265 organizations sent a letter to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and all 27 EU member states to reject the agreement with Mercosur. Among the entities are Attac, Agricole Confederation, League of Human Rights, and Foodwatch. The group tries to take advantage of the loophole opened by the parliaments of Austria, the Wallonia region of Belgium, and the Netherlands, which withdrew their support for the bi-regional agreement. The entities claim that the EU-Mercosur agreement implies worsening environmental destruction and the climate crisis to expand car exports and monocultures in the forest.

Mexico postpones free trade agreement with Brazil on heavy vehicles for three years: in June, the beginning of a free trade agreement between Mexico and Brazil involving heavy vehicles was postponed for three years. The pact was scheduled to start on July 1, 2020, but was postponed to July 2023.

“Operation Asia” Brazilian IRS Combats Billion-Dollar Fraud in Foreign Trade: In June, the Brazilian IRS and the Federal Police launched “Operation Asia” with the objective of combating the under-invoicing scheme for goods imported mainly from Asian countries, with a large amount of evaded taxes and irregular remittance of foreign currency through money changers. The operation targeted the scheme’s mentors, companies used by investigated groups and stakeholders who register under-invoiced statements and submit false documents to Customs Authorities.

CAMEX adopts new rules to zero the import tax to avoid shortages: In July, CAMEX (the Chamber of Foreign Trade) approved new rules to zero the import tax on up to 100 Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM) product codes to avoid shortages in the national market. In addition, the goods will now have the tax rate reset, replacing the 2% level of the previous rule.

Peru files a complaint against Brazil at the WTO over tariffs on PET: The World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a statement stating that Peru has filed a complaint against Brazil over tariffs on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the tax treatment of Brazilian imports to the country. According to the note, the Peruvian complaint applies to definitive anti-dumping measures in Brazil on this polymer used in weaving and packaging and the tax treatment of products in general through the imposition of the Tax on Industrialized Products (IPI). The complaint was circulated to entity members on July 15.

Government promotes Automotive Free Trade Agreement with Paraguay: In August, President Jair Bolsonaro enacted the Automotive Free Trade Agreement signed with the government of Paraguay in February. The document’s objective is to facilitate trade and customs cooperation between the two countries, especially for automotive products. Under the agreement, parts and vehicles sold by the two countries will have minimum or zero tariffs, but the range for free trade will vary between the two countries.

SECEX eliminates license requirements for 210 imported products: The Foreign Trade Secretariat of the Ministry of Economy (SECEX / ME) eliminated the requirement for automatic import licenses for 88 products and non-automatic licenses for another 122 different goods. This allows the dispensation of 159 thousand automatic licenses and 111 thousand non-automatic licenses approved in 2019, generating savings for Brazilian importers of more than R$ 23 million with the payment of fees that were charged for obtaining these documents. Among the products that can be imported without the need for licenses are wall coverings, acrylic wires, and steel tubes, which previously depended on SECES approval – directly or by delegating powers to Banco do Brasil – as a requirement prior to completion of imports into the country.

A free trade agreement with Brazil gains green light from the Chilean Senate: In August, the Chilean Senate approved a free trade agreement with Brazil that complements a 1990 pact with the Mercosur bloc and incorporates issues related to telecommunications, electronic commerce, environment, and SMEs. The treaty “will incorporate new cutting-edge terms, update existing ones, and allow small and medium-sized Chilean companies to have equal access to the large Brazilian public procurement market. It also provides for the elimination of ‘roaming’ between the two countries.

Government sanctions law that extends deadlines for exporters in drawback regimes: in September, President Jair Bolsonaro sanctioned Law No. 14.060, which allows the exceptional 1-year extension of the deadlines for complying with drawback suspension and exemption regimes. These regimes waive taxes on local imports and purchases of inputs used in the production of goods for the foreign market. The new legislation originated from Provisional Measure 960, issued on May 4, 2020, and is part of actions to reduce the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Brazilian economy.

Chamber approves a provisional measure that dispenses export target in SPA due to the pandemic: in September, the Chamber of Deputies approved Provisional Measure 973/20, which exempts companies located in export processing zones (ZPE) from reaching 80% of this year gross revenues from exported goods. The text went to the Senate. It is worth remembering that ZPEs are industrial districts, whose companies benefit from the suspension of taxes to export, among other benefits. To qualify for the tax benefit, at least 80% of the total gross revenue must come from exports, a rule created by Law 11.508 / 07.

About 68% of industries had difficulties obtaining inputs in Brazil: A special survey carried out by the National Confederation of Industries (CNI) pointed out that in October, 68% of the companies consulted had had difficulties in obtaining inputs or raw materials in the domestic market, and 56% of companies that use imported inputs regularly had difficulties acquiring them in the international market. According to the CNI, “the economy reacted faster than expected. Thus, there was a mismatch between supply and demand for inputs. And both producers and suppliers had low inventories. At the height of the crisis, we saw the demobilization of production chains and low stocks. In addition, we have a strong devaluation of the real, which contributed to the increase in the price of imported inputs”.

Argentina leaves US$ 100 million in Brazilian exports stuck at the border: According to the media, since the beginning of the year, the Argentine government has been slow to release the entry of Brazilian imports, not complying with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the agreement bilateral agreement between both countries.

Brazil and the United States conclude investment facilitation agreements: In October, President Jair Bolsonaro reported that representatives from Brazil and the United States concluded negotiations on three agreements demanded by businessmen from both countries –  on trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, and anti-corruption.

Mercosur negotiates agreements with Lebanon, Tunisia, and Morocco: in October, the Special Secretary for Foreign Trade and International Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, Roberto Fendt, stated that Brazil is negotiating with Mercosur for new free trade agreements with some Arab countries. “In fact, Mercosur has already signed a free trade agreement with Egypt and Palestine. It is currently negotiating an agreement with Lebanon, and has also initiated negotiations with Tunisia and Morocco,” stated Fendt. The agreement with Palestine has not yet entered into force.

Brazil suspends import concessions from Costa Rica in retaliation for Brazilian sugar safeguards: In November, the Brazilian government suspended concessions on imports of certain products originating in Costa Rica. The measure was taken through a CAMEX resolution because of Costa Rica’s decision to apply unjustified safeguards to sugar imports from Brazil and is supported by the WTO Safeguards Agreement. In practice, the measure will represent a 27.68% surcharge on imports of Costa Rican products such as chocolates and teas. The decision was taken in retaliation for the application of safeguards to sugar imports from Brazil by Costa Rica, which represents a 27.68% surcharge on the Brazilian product.

Brazil is victorious against Indonesia in the WTO: In November, Brazil had a new victory against Indonesia in the World Trade Organization (WTO). According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there was an “undue delay” by Indonesia in recognizing Brazil’s health certification process for exports of chicken meat to the Asian country.

CAMEX approves a reduction in the import tariff on toys: In November, the Executive Management Committee (GECEX) of the Chamber of Foreign Trade (CAMEX) – a collegiate body chaired by the Ministry of Economy – approved the reduction from 35% to 20% of the tariff applied to toy imports. The measure should start to have more expressive effects on prices at the beginning of 2021, considering the time necessary for the realization of new imports already supported by the tariff reduction. The reduction to 20% equates the Brazilian tariff to the Mercosur Common External Tariff (TEC) and eliminates the exceptional tariff increase that applied to imports since 2011.

Chamber approves basic text of BR do Mar: In December, the Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies failed to complete the vote on Bill 4199/20, to encourage coastal shipping, known as BR do Mar. Despite that, parliamentarians of the Chamber approved the basic text of the BR do Mar proposal, in the form of the substitute submitted by the rapporteur, Deputy Gurgel (PSL-RJ), to the original of the Executive Branch. Although most of the highlights have already been analyzed, six remain to be analyzed, which may alter the proposal. The project progressively releases the use of foreign ships in Brazil without the obligation to contract construct units at local shipyards. The text foresees that companies will be able to rent boats to operate in cargo transportation.

CAMEX extends zero tariffs for importing medicines and supplies against Covid-19: In late December, CAMEX extended the validity of Resolution No. 17/2020, which reduced the Import Tax rate to zero for products considered essential to face the pandemic of Covid-19. The extension was approved at a virtual meeting of the Executive Management Committee of CAMEX (GECEX), on December 18, and published on December 29 in the Federal Register, in GECEX Resolution 133/2020. The reduction in the rates would have expired on December 31, 2020, but was extended until June 30, 2021, for 298 products, covering medicines and their inputs, tests for virus detection, and vaccines.

Sugar and Ethanol: Sugar showed a very solid performance in 2020. According to the 3rd Survey of the 2020/21 Sugarcane Crop, released in December by CONAB (the national food supply company), Brazil’s sugarcane sugar production for the current harvest, 665,105 million tons, approaches the historical record set in 2015 when 665.6 million tons of sugarcane were harvested. Compared to last season, growth is forecast at 3.5%. Sugar exports totaled 23.7 million tons in the first eight months of this 2020/21 harvest (April to November), 79.2% more than in the same period of 2019/20. In relation to the entire past cycle, the volume is already 25% higher. According to the state-owned company, the expectation is that the 2016/17 record will be exceeded when Brazilian shipments reached 28.3 million tons.

But increased exports generate logistical problems. In June, the wait time for loading sugar at a Rumo terminal in the Port of Santos reached 45 days according to the maritime agency Cargonave. As a comparison, in the same period of 2019, the average waiting time was five to seven days.

To circumvent these problems, some alternative solutions were adopted. After 15 years, the Port of São Sebastião, located on the north coast of São Paulo, began to carry out sugar transport operations again. In addition, after a decade-long hiatus, break-bulk sugar export operations were carried out at the Port of Santos, since the terminals operating in containers were saturated.

According to a report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the growth in exports is due to the country’s large exportable sugar surplus and the stable demand from countries that import Brazilian sweetener. “Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and logistical obstacles at ports, including long waiting times for loading, the significant devaluation of the real against the dollar kept the Brazilian product competitive,” says the report.

See a monthly history of Brazilian sugar exports on the chart below:

Brazilian Sugar Exports (HS 1701) | Jan 2015 to Oct 2020 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner

In relation to ethanol, in September, CAMEX (the foreign trade chamber) approved a quota that allowed the import of 187.5 million liters of ethanol exempt from the 20% Common External Tariff (TEC) for 90 days, an addendum to the annual quota of 750 million liters that had expired at the end of August.

The measure, tailored for American farmers in order to please President Donald Trump in the middle of an election race, expired in December and has not been renewed. This is because the Foreign Ministry did not make progress in negotiations to expand the entry of Brazilian sugar into the United States, and Trump’s defeat in the American elections put an end to further conversations on this subject.

Coffee: despite having recorded good export numbers, logistical problems hindered coffee shipments in 2020. Datamar data indicate that there was an imbalance of almost 80,000 containers in Brazil in August. There were almost 251,000 containers leaving the country and only 172,000 arriving. In January, the arrival of 216,000 containers and the departure of 201,000 were registered. And coffee, unlike other commodities, is exported in containers. The devaluation of the real, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, boosted a strong flow of exports, but significantly reduced imports.

Nelson Cavalhaes, the president of CECAFÉ (the Brazilian council of coffee exporters), stated that in September, despite registering good numbers, “the export results could have been 10-15% better had it not been for the logistical problems of lack of containers and space on boats”.

Meat: meat exports were heated in 2020, motivated both by the competitive dollar and by the shortage of proteins in China due to the African swine flu which killed many pigs and reduced the domestic supply of meat.

According to ABPA (the Brazilian animal protein association), in the first 11 months of the year, chicken meat exports maintained a high of 0.69%, with 3.849 million tons shipped between January and November 2020 compared to 3.823 million tons in the same period of 2019. Despite this, the dollar revenue accumulated in the period is US$ 5.543 billion, a number 12.8% lower than that registered in 2019, when US$ 6.358 million was registered.

In relation to pork, in the 2020 year-to-date (January to November) figure, international sales of this protein reached 940,900 tons, a number 39.5% higher than the total shipped in the same period of 2019, 674,200 tons. And, for the first time in history, pork exports from Brazil exceeded two billion dollars, reaching US $ 2.079 billion, 47.1% more than the US $ 1.413 billion made between January and November 2019 .

According to ABPA president, Ricardo Santin, as in 2019, the health crisis of the African swine flu that impacted the swine herd in Asia, part of Europe and Africa continued to boost Brazilian poultry and pork exports. “Asian nations have consolidated themselves as the main importers of poultry and pork meat from Brazil and were the main vectors of the year’s result in both sectors,” he explains.

In the case of beef, estimates by ABIEC (the Brazilian association of meat-exporting industries) indicate that Brazil should export 2.2 million tons of beef by the end of this year. The forecast is 8.8% higher than the total for 2019. ABIEC represents 32 companies in the sector.

If the estimate is confirmed, protein exports should end the year with revenues of US $ 8.53 billion, 11.8% above that reached last year. From January to November, sales totaled 1.84 million tons, exceeding the volume registered in that interval, in 2019, by 9%. Over the last eleven months, sales grew 13.9%, reaching US$ 7.76 billion.

Despite the good numbers, the year was also marked by the suspension of exports from several Brazilian meatpackers to China and Hong Kong, who claimed to have found traces of the coronavirus in imported meat packaging, temporarily suspending the licenses of some plants, which were later reversed. China also requested greater attention not only from Brazil, but also from other meat suppliers, for disinfecting packaging and containers. The Philippines and Indonesia also ended up placing embargoes on Brazilian meat.

In 2020, there were also some market openings for Brazilian proteins: Mexico opened a market for Brazilian eggs, Myanmar for pork, Egypt for poultry, Thailand for beef and pork, and the United States for fresh beef. South Korea also started importing Brazilian shrimp.

The chart below shows a monthly history of Brazilian meat exports:

Brazilian Meat Exports (HS 0202, 0203 and 2007) | Jan 2017 to Oct 2020 | TEU

Source: DataLiner

Rice: Rice was a hot topic in 2020 due to the high price that reached the shelves of Brazilian supermarkets. Brazil exported so much rice that it harmed its domestic supply. Data from the SECEX (the Foreign Trade Secretariat) compiled by ABIARROZ (the Brazilian rice industry association) show that Brazilian exports of rice (husk base) totaled 153,500 tons in October, a volume 84% higher than in the same month of 2019 (83,570). In the commercial year for rice (March-October), Brazil exported 1.54 million tons of the cereal, compared to 852,240 a year earlier. According to ABIARROZ, rice exports (husk base) reached 1.69 million tons from January to October, compared to 1.08 million tons in the same period of 2019.

To contain the increase in the product in the domestic market, GECEX (the executive management committee of CAMEX (the chamber of foreign trade )) decided to zero the import tax rate for paddy and processed rice until December 31. The temporary reduction in the import tax on rice was restricted to a quota of 400 thousand tons, applicable to products covered by codes 1006.10.92 (rice with unparboiled husks) and 1006.30.21 (semi-blanched or blanched rice, not parboiled) of the Common Nomenclature Mercosur (NCM).

See Brazilian rice imports and exports since 2017:

Brazilian Rice Movement (HS 1006) | Jan 2017 to Oct 2020 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner

Soy and Corn: Soy was another commodity that Brazil exported freely in 2020, mainly to China. Data released by Chinese Customs in October indicate that China imported 51.4% more Brazilian soy in September than in the same month of the previous year. 7.25 million tons of oilseed were imported from Brazil in September, compared to 4.79 million tons in the same period in 2019, according to the agency.

As in the case of rice, external demand has caused internal shortages.

To balance the supply and demand of grains in the domestic market and to contain high prices, the GECEX decided to zero the import tax rate for soybeans and corn. In the case of soybeans, the temporary reduction will be valid until January 15, 2021 and includes NCM codes 1201.90.00, 1507.10.00, and 2304.00.10, which refer, respectively, to soybeans, soybean meal, and oil. As for corn (NCM 1005.90.10), the product was included in LETEC (the Brazilian list of exceptions to the common external tariff), with a reduction from 8% to 0%, valid until March 31, 2021.

The increase in world demand for food due to the Covid-19 pandemic generated similar reactions in the markets related to these two commodities. In the case of corn, there was an increase in domestic consumption to supply the production of animal protein, which registered growth in exports, a movement that has been registered in the last two decades at a rate of 14.3% per year. In the case of soybeans and derivatives, such as bran and oil, there was also an increase in foreign sales, which gained momentum with the appreciation of the dollar.

The graph below shows the history of Brazilian soy exports from 2017:

Brazilian Soy Exports (HS 1201) | Jan 2017 to Oct 2020 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner

The following graph shows corn exported by Brazil since 2017:

Brazilian Corn Exports (1005) | Jan 2017 to Oct 2020 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (To request a DataLiner demo click here)

With the tax exemption, soy imports increased. Brazil even imported American soy, which is an unusual situation. Data released by SECEX point out that in November, Brazilian soy imports reached 122.4 thousand tons, 20 times more than in November 2019 (6 thousand tons). Purchases cost US$ 49.2 million, compared to US$ 1.9 million a year earlier, as the average value of the ton purchased increased from US$ 328.8 to US$ 402.4.

From January to November, imports totaled 748,000 tons, compared to 131,000 in the first 11 months of last year. According to SECEX, the value of purchases reached US$ 245 million, almost six times higher than in the same period of 2019 (US$ 41.1 million).

Brazilian imports of soybean oil increased by more than 8,000% in November, with Argentina offering most of what Brazil bought on the international market to deal with a shortage of raw materials.

The year was also marked by auctions of areas in several ports and investments to receive larger and larger ships. Here are some points that had an impact on Brazilian ports in 2020, in chronological order:

Ministry of Infrastructure signs concession contract for the STS20 terminal, in the Port of Santos: In January, the concession contract for the STS20 terminal in the Port of Santos was signed with the Hidrovias do Brasil S / A consortium. During the 25 years of the contract, Hidrovias do Brasil S/A  will operate an area of ​​more than 29,000 m2 and three warehouses for the handling of fertilizers and salt.

Master Plan for public ports in Rio Grande do Sul approved: In January, the Ministry of Infrastructure published the final version of the Master Plans for the port complexes in Pelotas, Porto Alegre, and Rio Grande.

New Suape Port Development and Zoning Plan published: Prepared by the port authority, the document was approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure. In the PDZ, demand projections, capacity, and expansion calculations are forecast until 2035 in addition to a vision for the future after 2035.

Klabin signs a terminal exploration contract at the Port of Paranaguá: In February, the Minister of Infrastructure and the company Klabin signed a contract for the exploration of the PAR 01 container terminal, located in the Port of Paranaguá. The terminal was purchased by Klabin at an auction that took place in August 2019, under the Investment Partnerships Program (PPI). It will be used for handling and storing pulp and general cargo for a period of 25 years.

Bulk carrier stranded in the Port of São Francisco do Sul: In March, the bulk carrier Aeolian Grace (flying under the Cyprus flag) that had unloaded at the public port of São Francisco do Sul, in Santa Catarina and was then bound for Singapore with another 65,804 tons, ran aground on Laje da Barata, in the Babitonga Bay.

Rio Docks reactivates the Port of Itaguaí interconnection channel: Companhia Docas do Rio de Janeiro (CDRJ) reactivated the North Channel of Ilha das Cabras, in the Port of Itaguaí, with the objective of improving the waterway infrastructure and increasing the productivity and billing. The interconnection channel is 9.4 meters deep and has an operational draft of 8.9 meters. It is able to receive vessels up to 242 meters long and 32 meters wide.

Port of Vitória obtains customs clearance at the Atalaia Pier: The Brazilian internal revenue service released the customs request for the Atalaia Pier in the Port of Vitória, requested by CODESA. With this, the multipurpose pier increases the operational capacity of the Port of Vitória, as it now receives all types of cargo. The new wharf replaced two old dolphins, and gained 278.9m in length, sheltering Berth 207.

Porto de Natal obtains an environmental license: IDEMA, the Brazilian Institute for Sustainable and Environmental Development, issued the Operation Regularization License (LRO) for the Port of Natal, administered by Companhia Docas do Rio Grande do Norte (CODERN). The process of obtaining the license was initiated in 2011. Over the years, several studies, documents, technical analyses, and requests were carried out with the objective of making the issuance of the license viable.

Ministry of Infrastructure approves new polygonal for the Port of Santos: The Ministry of Infrastructure published Ordinance No. 77 that changes the jurisdictional limits of the port of Santos. The definition of the new polygonal updates the route in force since 2002 and adapts the organized port to the Ports Law 12,815 of 2013, which differentiates leased and private terminals precisely because of what is inside or outside the polygonal. In addition, it paves the way for the approval of the new Development and Zoning Plan (PDZ), which provides for the leasing of areas that until then were outside the jurisdiction of the Port Authority.

New bathymetry increases the operational capacity of the Port of Pecém: Portaria No. 21 / CPCE, issued by the Brazilian Navy, through the Captaincy of the Port of Ceará, defined the new maximum drafts for the operation of ships in the access channels and berths of the Port of Pecém. In the document, the operational drafts of 15.30 m were established for the new berths at the Pecém Multi-Use Terminal (TMUT): Berths 7, 8, and 9.

Ministry of Infrastructure approves new Port of Santos PDZ: In July, the new Development and Zoning Plan (PDZ) of the Port of Santos was approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure. Ordinance No. 1,620 was published in the Federal Register on July 29th and will make it possible to implement port modernization by strategically planning the occupation of public areas for the next 20 years. The implementation of the plan will increase the capacity of the Santos complex by approximately 50%, by 2040, reaching 240.6 million tons.

Operation Relíquia searches for abandoned cargo in Santos: The accident that occurred in the Port of Beirut in August raised concerns regarding the safety of operations involving dangerous goods in Brazilian ports. As a result, the Reliqua operation was launched in the Port of Santos by IBAMA (the Brazilian Institute for the environment and renewable natural resources), with the participation of SPA, ANTAQ (the national waterway transport agency, ANTT (the national land-transport agency), the Army, the Navy, the Brazilian Internal Revenue Service, and the city halls of Santos and Guarujá. The objective was to search for the existence of goods abandoned by importers and exporters at the terminals, which could pose risks, and to verify the conformity of operations involving dangerous goods. After a series of inspections carried out at all terminals, IBAMA concluded that the Port of Santos is safe and recognized as appropriate the practices adopted and the inspection work that SPA carries out aiming at operational safety.

New PDZ of the Port of Imbituba is approved: The Ministry of Infrastructure approved the new Development and Zoning Plan (PDZ) of the Port of Imbituba, in Santa Catarina. The document was ratified by ordinance and entered into force on the 10th of August. The PDZ provides a broad description of the current situation of the port and outlines its horizon until 2034, proposing a development path that changes between short-, medium-, and long-term scenarios.

Federal Government sanctions MP that modernizes the Ports Law: In August, the Federal Government sanctioned Provisional Measure 945/20, which alters the Ports Law, promoting a mini-reform in the legislation. The law also provides rules for the functioning of ports during the pandemic, especially concerning the dismissal and compensation of workers at risk or with symptoms of Covid-19. Among the main changes is the flexibility in the management of lease agreements.

Ministry of Infrastructure ends the activities of Companhia Docas do Maranhão: In September, Companhia Docas do Maranhão (CODOMAR) definitively ended its activities, after ten years without carrying out port-related activities. The act was announced at an extraordinary general meeting, which paid off the company, ending two years of a liquidation process.

Expansion of the pier increases the capacity of the Port of Paranaguá: In September, the expansion of the pier in the Port of Paranaguá was inaugurated. Berth 201 has been modernized and the berth has been extended by 100 meters. The investments of the public company Portos do Paraná total R$ 201.7 million and will increase the current cargo-handling capacity in that berth by 140%, in addition to allowing the Port of Paranaguá to receive larger ships that can hold up to 80 thousand tons of gross cargo, in the Post Panamax category.

Port of Vitória inaugurates new Atalaia Pier: In October, the new Atalaia Pier was inaugurated in Porto de Vitória. The forecast is that its berth operations will increase by 75%. The Atalaia multi-purpose terminal is located in Vila Velha, and will handle several types of cargo (liquid and solid bulk) such as wheat, malt, fertilizers, general cargo, and others.

Itaguaí now able to receive mega vessels with LOA of 367m: Companhia Docas do Rio de Janeiro (CDRJ) approved, with the Maritime Authority, the Normative Instrument of Operational Parameters nº 14.001.03 which establishes as a regular maneuver of the Sepetiba Tecon Terminal, in the Port of Itaguaí, container ships with LOA of 340m, a width of 50m, and a draft of 14.70m, which can reach 15.40m with the tide. In addition, as a special maneuver, the terminal is also able to receive mega-ships with LOA of 367 meters.

New draft approved at the Port of Rio Grande: After two years of dredging works with a federal investment of R$ 500 million, the Port of Rio can receive vessels up to 366 meters in length. In October, the new draft for the port was approved. Thanks to the removal of more than 16 million cubic meters of sediment, the operational draft of the so-called internal channel increased from 12.8 to 15 meters. The depth, which was 14.2, is now 16.5 meters. With this, the handling capacity begins to meet international navigation standards, and the port is able to receive vessels of up to 366 meters, a difference of 29 meters in relation to the previous capacity of 337 meters.

Port of Antonina will receive investments of almost R$ 160 million: The government of Paraná and Interbulk S.A signed a protocol of intentions that foresees the company’s adhesion to the state government’s tax benefits program. Private investment will be R$ 159.09 million. In return, Paraná will expand the movement of solid bulk (nitrogen fertilizers, phosphates, and potassium) through the Port of Antonina. The group intends to install a fertilizer-mixing unit in 2 phases, with a capacity to produce up to one million tons per year.

Pulp terminal concession contracts signed in the Port of Santos: In November, the Minister of Infrastructure, Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas, signed the contracts for pulp terminals auctioned in August (STS14 and STS14A) with Eldorado Brasil Celulose and Bracell Celulose. The leases yielded R$ 505 million in grants to the Federal Government under a 25-year contract. The terminals are expected to invest R$ 420 million – including railroad access – with another R$ 110.9 million in fixed leases to Santos Port Authority (SPA).

São Paulo government invests in Santos-Guarujá bridge project: The São Paulo government handed over to the Ministry of Infrastructure a new project for the billion-dollar bridge between Santos and Guarujá. There are significant changes in relation to the engineering studies released in 2019. The central span of the bridge, which was 400 meters long, has now been extended to a distance of 750 meters between its pillars. The investment would be totally private through an amendment to the concession contract of Ecovias, a company that manages the Anchieta-Imigrantes highway system. Originally, the contract was to expire in 2026. Minister Tarcísio Freitas has adopted a skeptical discourse about the viability of the bridge and has proposed the design of a submerged tunnel as the preferred alternative for the Santos-Guarujá dry link. Tarcísio’s concern is concerning possible damage to the maneuvers of large ships. The tunnel project, with a different location from the bridge (between the Macuco and Itapema neighborhoods), received the support of port terminal operators. They joined in a movement to defend the submerged connection of 1.7 kilometers and budgeted at R$ 3.5 billion, promoted using the “Vou de Túnel” campaign.

Port of Santos opens a public notice for 3 temporary contracts: In December, the Port of Santos opened a tender for three new transitional contracts. There will be three lots, which together add up to 101,300 m2: two in the Saboó region – areas that belonged to the companies Deicmar and Set Port – and one in Paquetá that was used by Suzano.

Ministry of Infrastructure receives a proposal that foresees an investment of R$ 3.6 billion for a new port in Natal: The project defends the construction of a terminal on the left bank of the Potengi River, in front of the current port, in addition to the construction of logistical corridors, a third bridge over the river, recovery of the degraded mangrove area, and other investments in logistics infrastructure – such as a railway line between the port, the airport, and the Export Processing Zone. Together, investments would total almost R$ 7 billion.

Public hearing approved for the privatization of CODESA: Through ANTAQ (the national waterway transport agency) on December 17th, the federal government approved the opening of the public consultation on the studies of the privatization project of the ports of Vitória and Barra do Riacho, managed by Companhia Docas do Espírito Santo (CODESA).

Auction of port terminals: On December 18, the Ministry of Infrastructure (MINFRA) raised a total of R$ 87.5 million in grants with the auction of four port terminals located in Alagoas, Bahia, and Paraná, which will attract more than R$ 400 million in investments. The auction winners were Timac Agro Indústria (MAC10), CS Brasil Transportes (ATU12 and ATU18), and Ascensus Gestão e Participações (PAR12).