The shortage of containers is one of the main reasons for the increase in import freight costs in Brazil. The price rises began shortly before the pandemic, in March 2020, worsening with the lockdown, which caused the closure of borders and shops.
According to recent data, the median freight from Asia, one of the main importers in Brazil, was US$ 1,900 , in January 2020, for US$ $9,800 in the same month of 2022, an increase of 416% .
The difference between the prices of global freight and freight from Asia is explained by the modal used to transport the cargo, which can be used by land, between countries in South America, and sea and air, between more distant countries. However, the increase in values for equal modals is due to the high demand for low supply.
Despite global shipping seeing a 24% decrease in June 2020, when it reached $1,200, prices continued to rise. In 2022, it reached the mark of US$ 2.700, an increase of 122% compared to the same period.
“There was a time when freight was considered a commodity, there were many containers available, with freight from China to Brazil costing up to 150 dollars. In the pandemic, this offer decreased, so shipping costs increased a lot.”
Source: abrafrutas.org