EN 
PT_BR The São Luís Port Terminal (TPSL), operated by VLI, a logistics solutions company that integrates railways, ports and terminals, has just been authorized to export corn to the Chinese market, consolidating its position as an important link in the Brazilian logistics chain. This achievement reflects not only compliance with the strict phytosanitary protocols required by China, but also the growth potential of the Northern Arc (Amapá, Amazonas, Maranhão, Pará and Rondônia) as a strategic route for national exports.
Chinese demand for Brazilian corn grew significantly after 2022, when the war in Ukraine impacted grain supplies in the region. In light of this, China expanded its trade contracts and, starting in 2023, implemented quarantine requirements protocols, including strict criteria related to seeds and pests occurring in Brazil.
To meet these conditions, TPSL underwent a thorough registration process with the Agricultural Management System of the Ministry of Agriculture (Sipeagro/Mapa). This stage included the complete registration of the port terminal as a corn exporter, in addition to the presentation of documentation such as the Good Manufacturing Practices Manual (GMP) and aflatoxin and pesticide monitoring reports.
The qualification also required adaptations and training for terminal employees to ensure compliance with Chinese standards. “We are committed to the quality of exported grains, from receipt to shipment. We strictly monitor all parameters required by regulatory agencies and international contracts. This way, we are able to effectively control operations and ensure that the transported cargo reaches the customer safely and with quality,” highlights agricultural engineer Brenda Guedes, responsible for product quality at VLI.
With this authorization, Brazil reinforces its position as a strategic partner of China in the supply of corn – last year, the Santos Port Complex was also authorized to export corn. commodity. The Northern Arc, which did not export grains to the Chinese market before 2023, achieved significant performance: 3.6 million tons of corn were exported in 2023, and 2.2 million in 2024, even with the retraction of the global cereal market. “The participation of market share of the Northern Arc practically doubled, going from 23% in 2023 to 44% in 2024. This percentage should increase even more in 2025, with the qualification of TPSL”, highlights Vanessa Rocha, account manager of the Grains segment at VLI.
With the seal of quality and reliability required by China, TPSL is designed to meet not only current demands, but also to explore new opportunities in the international grain market. Currently, in addition to corn, the terminal is also authorized to export soybeans to the Asian country.
