Brazil cabotage shipping grows 3% in third quarter 2026

Brazil's cabotage shipping sector recorded a 3% increase in volume during the third quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from the Brazilian Association of Cabotage Shipowners (Abac).

The growth was primarily driven by feeder cargo—goods destined for or originating from international trade that are transported between Brazilian ports—which rose 8.2% to reach 245,467 TEUs. In contrast, domestic cargo saw a slight contraction of 1.9%, totaling 235,105 TEUs.

Mercosul cargo transport experienced a 14% increase, totaling 41,762 TEUs. Overall, operations by Brazilian shipping companies (EBNs) moved 522,334 TEUs during the quarter, a 3.8% rise over the previous year. Luis Resano, executive director of Abac, noted that connecting Brazilian ports to major international routes enhances foreign trade reach and logistics efficiency.