What's Happening?
In 2025, Uruguay managed the handling of 6.654 million tonnes of iron ore from LHG Mining. The shipments were processed through the Navios South American Logistics terminal in Nueva Palmira and the Punta del Arenal transshipment area along the Uruguay River.
The iron ore originated from the Corumbá region in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul state, a significant iron ore-producing area. Of the total volume, 3.98 million tonnes were shipped overseas directly from the Navios terminal, while 2.674 million tonnes were transshipped at Punta del Arenal. The majority of the cargo was destined for Asia, primarily China, with the rest going to Europe.
Why It's Important?
The handling of such a large volume of iron ore highlights Uruguay's strategic role in the global iron ore supply chain, particularly in facilitating exports from Brazil to major markets like Asia and Europe. This operation underscores the importance of efficient logistics and transshipment solutions in the global commodities market. The increase in projected volumes for the current year, expected to reach 8.6 million tonnes, indicates growing demand and the potential for further economic benefits for Uruguay and the involved logistics and mining companies.
What's Next?
For the current year, projected iron ore volumes are expected to increase by about 33% compared to 2025, reaching 8.6 million tonnes. This growth suggests a continued strong demand for iron ore, particularly from Asian markets. The logistics operations at Nueva Palmira and Punta del Arenal will play a crucial role in managing this increased volume, ensuring efficient and timely shipments to international markets. The ongoing demand for iron ore could lead to further investments in logistics infrastructure and capacity enhancements in Uruguay.
