Latin American Grain Ports Backlogged as Corn and Wheat Exports Surge

By Maria Kalamatas | July 24, 2025

Section: International / Maritime & Agricultural Logistics

Buenos Aires, July 24 — Grain ports across Argentina and Brazil are operating at full tilt as peak-season corn and wheat exports overwhelm storage and loading facilities, creating vessel queues and pushing up costs for shippers.

“Some vessels are waiting up to five days for a berth,” said Diego Salazar, logistics director for a Rosario-based grain exporter. “Even with round-the-clock operations, the flow of cargo is relentless.”

Harvest drives record volumes

Export volumes for July are running more than 25 percent higher than the same period last year, as Asian and Middle Eastern buyers accelerate purchases to secure supply ahead of expected price volatility.

“We’re moving grain as fast as possible, but every day of delay puts more pressure on traders and carriers,” Salazar explained.

Cost burden rises

Freight rates for Panamax and Handymax vessels have climbed, while demurrage fees for waiting ships are eating into profits, especially for smaller exporters.

“Large trading houses can absorb these costs, but for mid-sized firms, it’s a serious hit,” said Valeria Ruiz, a Montevideo-based shipping analyst.

Mitigation efforts

To ease congestion, some cargoes are being redirected to secondary ports, while others are being pushed onto rail for faster clearance.

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