Tapajós River dredging suspension threatens Brazil grain exports

The suspension of maintenance dredging on the Tapajós River has raised concerns regarding a potential logistical collapse for grain exports in Brazil’s Arco Norte region. A group of over 30 productive sector entities, led by the Frente Parlamentar da Agropecuária (FPA), has formally requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to prioritize dredging in critical sections.

Experts warn that the lack of intervention, combined with a prolonged dry season and the expected arrival of El Niño, could prevent the transport of up to 5.5 million tons of soy and corn during the 2026/27 harvest. This would force a shift to more expensive road transport, with estimated losses ranging from R$ 500 million to R$ 850 million. The Tapajós River is responsible for 88% of the soy and corn flow toward Arco Norte ports, and nearly 90% of its current movement is tied to agribusiness.