E-Malt.com News article: Brazil: Paraná ports nearly quadruple barley, malt imports as brewing sector expands

Ports in Brazil’s Paraná state nearly quadrupled barley and malt imports in early 2025 compared with the same period a year earlier, underscoring the state’s role as a key hub for the country’s brewing industry.

Barley throughput rose 364% year over year, climbing from 26,412 metric tons in 2024 to 122,523 tons in 2025. The grain, the main raw material in traditional beer production, is also used in food products and animal feed.

Paraná is the largest destination for imported barley in Brazil and ranks third in malt imports, behind only Bahia and Săo Paulo, according to Luiz Fernando Garcia, chief executive of Portos do Paraná.

“It is an honor to support the growth of this important sector of our state’s economy,” Garcia said.

State Finance Secretary Norberto Ortigara said Paraná has consolidated its position as a strategic brewing hub by fostering a favorable business environment. Programs such as Paraná Competitivo have attracted companies and strengthened local production, helping the state reach an average output of nearly 8 million liters of beer per year, he said.

Although Paraná is Brazil’s largest barley producer, domestic demand remains strong, requiring additional imports to meet industry needs. Port officials said operational improvements have helped ensure efficient cargo handling and product quality.

Malt imports also surged, rising 383% in January from a year earlier, from 5,999 tons to 28,952 tons. Malt, produced from processed cereals, is the second most important ingredient in beer after water and plays a central role in determining sugar content and alcohol levels.

Eduardo Bekin, chief executive of Invest Paraná, said growth in the sector is expected to continue throughout 2026, supported by forecasts of higher temperatures, lower rainfall and several public holidays, factors that typically boost beer consumption.

According to Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Paraná had 174 registered breweries in 2024, up 3% from the previous year. Between 2020 and 2024, the sector invested about 5 billion reais in production, raw materials, modernization and packaging.

Overall cargo volumes at Paraná’s ports reached 5.29 million tons in January, the highest level ever recorded for the month and up 12.3% from the previous January.

In 2025, Paraná posted the highest percentage growth in cargo throughput among Brazilian ports, with volumes rising 10.1% year over year to 73.5 million tons, up from 66.7 million tons in 2024, including exports and imports.

Productivity gains were also reflected at the truck screening yard at the Port of Paranaguá, which handled a record 507,915 trucks in 2025, a 29.5% increase from the prior year. The 330,000-square-meter facility, with capacity for 1,000 trucks, organizes and directs the flow of bulk agricultural cargo.


03 March, 2026