Santos creaks under the strain

Previously, ports had used tax breaks to attract traffic; however, since these ended, Santos has become increasingly more attractive as an export hub and now suffers massive congestion. Nevertheless, Mr Santos does not believe it can continue to absorb all traffic being switched from other ports and that other, under-utilised ports should be taking the strain.

Following the tax changes, the port of Vitória has seen cargo volumes drop by 50%, with many previous shipments moving to Santos. Mr Santos believes that Itajaí could also be handling more export consignments.

Nevertheless, diverting cargo to other ports is not the only solution; he says two new highways need building, along with an entirely new port at the city of Penuibe, if Santos is to see an end to endemic queues of trucks.