AMAZON DROUGHT SEES FREIGHT SHIPMENTS BROUGHT FORWARD IN NORTHERN BRAZIL

Companies reliant on river transport in northern Brazil are bringing forward freight shipments, increasing inventories and strengthening contingency plans ahead of an expected Amazon drought in the second half of 2026. Combitrans expects cargo volumes to rise about 20% between September and November as shippers accelerate deliveries and divert cargo from coastal shipping. To support demand, the company will deploy two new 3,500-tonne barges and expand its logistics network with 15,000 sq m of warehousing in Belém, 20,000 sq m in Manaus and a new 95,000 sq m port site in Belém. Lower river levels are expected to increase logistics costs and transit times for cargo serving the Manaus Free Trade Zone.
Source: BE News