Historic flooding disrupts access to key Brazilian soy port

Freight costs are increasing out of one of Brazil’s major southern ports due to the “biblical flooding”, obscuring rail and road passages to and from Rio Grande Do Sul.

The torrential flooding in South America could soon disrupt exports from Brazil’s fourth-largest soybean port in Rio Grande Do Sul as floodwaters spill over into roadways and rail routes linked to the major Brazilian grain port.

Loaded grain trucks must travel an extra 250 miles per trip to circumvent blockades and reach the Rio Grande port. That, of course, is causing delays as well as increasing freight costs.

Brazilian grain traders exported more than 10 million tons of soybeans and 3 million tons of soy meals out of Rio Grande Do Sul in 2023.

Brazil’s southernmost state has received more than 31 inches of rain in a week, which has led to the declaration of a public emergency and the deaths of at least 100 people. 128 are still missing. More rain is in the forecast through the first half of May.

Related Stories
Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
Cuban economic reforms could open up nearby export demand, but policy execution remains the key uncertainty.
ASFMRA’s George Baird shares insight on spring planting progress, acreage trends, and the financial factors influencing Mid-South farmers this season.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.
Texas lawmakers secure funding for sterile fly production as officials work to stop the New World screwworm from spreading into the U.S. cattle herd.
Geopolitical risk is rapidly increasing fertilizer price volatility before planting.