Key facts
- Argentine river transport of grain reached its highest volume in five years in 2025.
- Nearly 806,000 tons of grain were transported via the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway in 2025.
- This volume was 18% higher than in 2024 and 27.3% above the five-year average.
- Entre Ríos led shipments with 718,301 tons, while Santa Fe contributed 87,504 tons.
- Total domestic cargo on the waterway reached 8.49 million tonnes, up 5.8%.
Argentine river transport of grains achieved its highest volume in five years during 2025, moving 805,805 tons via the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway. This represents an 18% increase from 2024 and is 27.3% above the five-year average, according to a report by the Rosario Board of Trade (BCR).
The total domestic cargo transported via the waterway reached 8,494,328 tonnes in 2025, a 5.8% increase year-on-year. This growth was primarily driven by increased transport of oil from Buenos Aires and higher shipments of grains and fuels from terminals in Santa Fe.
Entre Ríos led grain shipments, accounting for 89% of the national volume with 718,301 tonnes, an increase of 19.8%. Santa Fe contributed the remaining 11% with 87,504 tonnes, more than doubling its 2024 volumes. Chaco registered no grain shipments in 2025.
The BCR highlighted that river transport using barges is typically less costly than road or rail, making cabotage a competitive option for the grain sector. The network of terminals for this transport extends from Barranqueras in Chaco to La Plata in Buenos Aires, with a significant concentration in the Greater Rosario corridor.