Bahia, Brazil ports see record volumes

Bahia, Brazil ports see record volumes Ports under the jurisdiction of CODEBA, the state-controlled docks company for Brazilian state of Bahia, reported a record 10.6 million metric tons of cargo in 2007, according to the American Association of Port Authorities.
   That includes the Port of Aratu, which saw a 25 percent increase to 6.75 million tons; the Port of Salvador, with 3.1 million tons; and the Port of Ilh'us, with 756,000 tons.
   Aratu saw a jump in its primary bulk cargo commodities of petrochemicals, fertilizers, and coal. Salvador saw gains in general cargo, including inbound shipments of foodstuffs and electronic equipment and exports of automobile tires, fruits and juices. Ilh'us is a leading port for cocoa exports, but had a net decrease in tonnage from 774,000 tons in 2006, primarily because of reduced soybean exports.