With the 2026 dry season advancing across Northern Brazil and El Niño potentially intensifying its effects, the severe reduction in river levels will require rapid adjustments to cargo flows bound for Manaus. Foreseeing this risk to support supply chain continuity, Fischer & Rechsteiner Brasil has developed robust preventive logistics solutions. The operational highlight for this period is the company’s established capability to coordinate in-bond transit operations (DTA) from other bonded ports across the country, ensuring that the Manaus Free Trade Zone tax benefits are fully maintained, even when utilizing alternative entry gateways.

Low water levels directly impact navigation across the Amazon basin, reducing permissible vessel drafts, increasing transit times, and limiting the availability of traditional transport routes. For industries and logistics operations connected to the major industrial hub of Manaus, proactive planning has become increasingly important to mitigate delays and reduce exposure to critical operational restrictions.

Flexible in-bond routing (DTA)

One of the most effective strategies for mitigating waterway restrictions involves using bonded ports in other Brazilian regions as strategic ports of entry for imported cargo. From these alternative terminals, shipments can continue to Manaus under the Brazilian customs transit regime (DTA).

Fischer & Rechsteiner Brasil has the infrastructure and expertise required to coordinate these end-to-end operations. Through a careful assessment of cargo specifications, origin and deadlines, the team evaluates the most viable and secure routing for each shipment, providing greater flexibility when river conditions restrict conventional cargo flows.