Seasonally Low Soybean Export Demand Reduces Transportation Demand. Usually,
by the end of September 90 percent of the Brazilian soybean crop is exported as
producers prepare for the new planting season, reducing export transportation
demand. During the 3rd quarter of 2014, Brazil exported 12 percent less soybeans
than during the same time last year, particularly during August and September.
However, accumulated exports from January to September increased nearly 10
percent, to 44.6 million mt (mmt) compared with 40.6 mmt at the same time last
year, exceeding the 2013 total record exports of 42.8 mmt (Secretariat of Foreign
Trade (SECEX)). The 3rd quarter cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of soybeans 100
miles by truck in Brazil increased slightly to US$9.97 from US$9.89 at the same time
last year (table 6). Truck rates fluctuated by region due to rain shortages that forced
farmers to delay the planting season and reschedule fertilizer shipments, resulting in
an increase in truck supply availability (SIFRECA). North Mato Grosso (MG) truck rates
decreased by 14 percent and increased from 9 to 11 percent in Rio Grande do Sul
(RS), Paraná, and Goiás.