Brazil's Soybean and Chicken Exports Surge in Early 2026, Led by Paraná Ports and New Harvest
With strong demand and strategic ports like Paranaguá, Brazil's soybean and chicken exports are surging sharply in early 2026.
- • Paraná ports handled 47.6% of Brazil's chicken exports in January 2026, with 199,000 tons shipped that month.
- • Soybean exports projected at 11 to 11.9 million tons in February, up from 2.44 million tons in January.
- • Port of Paranaguá has the largest refrigerated container storage in South America, supporting export growth.
- • Beef exports via Paraná ports reached 122,000 tons in January, valued at $690 million, mainly to China, US, and UAE.
Key details
Brazil's agricultural exports are witnessing significant growth in early 2026, with soybean and chicken shipments notably increasing amid strong international demand and strategic logistics. The ports in Paraná have become pivotal, especially the Port of Paranaguá, which handled an impressive 47.6% of Brazil's chicken exports in January 2026. That month alone saw 199,000 tons of frozen chicken exported, generating $365 million in FOB value. Over the entire year of 2025, the Port of Paranaguá exported more than 2.8 million tons of frozen chicken, supported by Paraná's status as the country's largest chicken producer with 36 processing plants.
Soybean exports have experienced a dramatic surge due to the new harvest reaching the market. February 2026 projections indicate soybean shipments ranging between 11 million and 11.9 million tons, a substantial rise from January's 2.44 million tons. The total soybean exports for 2026 might reach between 13.4 million and 14.3 million tons. This surge is attributed to increased product availability at key "arco Sul" ports such as Santos and Paranaguá and robust demand from China, which imports approximately 66% of Brazil's soybeans.
Corn exports are also on the rise, with February expected to see around 1.82 million tons shipped compared to 1.71 million tons in January. Nonetheless, soybean meal exports are forecasted to be more moderate, at approximately 300,000 tons in February, which is below last year's levels.
The overall cargo movement at Paraná ports hit a record 5.29 million tons in January 2026, reflecting a 12.3% increase from the previous record. Beef exports via these ports also contributed significantly, with 122,000 tons valued at $690 million, primarily destined for China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. The Port of Paranaguá boasts the largest refrigerated container storage in South America, with 5,268 power outlets, enhancing export reliability.
Luiz Fernando Garcia, President of Portos do Paraná, highlighted the strategic importance of the port's location and logistics infrastructure to sustain Brazil's high export productivity. This combined growth affirms Brazil's continued dominance as the world's leading soybean supplier and a major exporter of chicken and corn, supported by efficient port operations and a robust agricultural sector.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
