The Brazilian port of Santos, Latin America's largest port, moved 6.1 million tonnes of cargo in September, up 13 percent from the same month last year, with sugar, ethanol and diesel oil exports leading the way, the Port Authority said on Thursday.
Exports were up 18 percent and imports up 2 percent in September compared a year ago.
The port moved 51.5 million tonnes over the first nine months this year, up nearly 16 percent from the record period last year. Exports in the period were up 22 percent while imports were up 5 percent.
"If the port grows in the fourth quarter at the same rhythm as it did last season, we will reach nearly 70 million tonnes. ... in a less optimistic scenario, Santos would reach 68.3 million tonnes," the port said in a report.
Sugar exports led the way, up 39 percent at 1.3 million tonnes in September compared with the same month last year. Sugar exports over the first nine months of 2004 were up 36 percent at 7.97 million tonnes, Santos port data showed.