October 2, 2007

Paranagua grain port movement up 16 percent this year

The port of Paranagua in Parana state in Brazil jacked up its exports of gross soy, soymeal and corn by 16.07 percent in the first eight months of this year compared with the same period of 2006.

The grain terminal moved 10.63 million tonnes of three products this year through August, up from 9.16 million through August 2006, results which maintained its lead in Brazilian grain exports with 31.38 percent of the total, according to the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade.

Corn is the standout product this year, in part as Parana state is the leading Brazilian producer. There were 2.87 million tonnes exported through August, representing a 25 percent increase over the first eight months of 2006. Spain, China and Iran were the main buyers.

Soymeal experienced 18 percent growth with 4.14 million tonnes sold primarily to Europe, Iran and China. Shipments of bulk soy grew 8 percent during the period to 3.6 million tonnes, up from 3.3 million in the same comparison. China is the leading buyer, followed by European countries like Holland.