China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is bidding for a minority share in TCP, the main container terminal at the Port of Paranaguá in southern Brazil, in a deal with a floor price of RMB1.11 billion (about US$157 million).
What is on offer
- Stake: a combined 10.73% of Xinda Resources, the holding company that owns TCP, made up of two blocks of 8.91% and 1.82%.
- Sellers: investment vehicles linked to the China-Latin America Cooperation Fund and the China-Portuguese Cooperation Development Fund.
- Bidder: the Shanghai-listed port operator, acting through its Singapore subsidiary.
- Process: a public sale on the Beijing Equity Exchange, where the final price will be set by bidding.
China Merchants stays in control
China Merchants Port, which holds 77.45% of Xinda, has waived its right of first refusal and would remain the majority owner if Ningbo-Zhoushan’s bid succeeds.
Why Paranaguá matters
TCP handled 1.66 million TEU in 2025 and has a direct rail connection to the port’s inland catchment area. Ningbo-Zhoushan says a foothold there would deepen its ties with South American markets, open the way for China–Brazil container services and widen its role in refrigerated (reefer) cargo logistics.
Ningbo-Zhoushan’s board approved the bid on 6 November. The deal still depends on winning the auction and on Chinese approvals for overseas investment.
Context for Bangladesh
Chinese port operators and investors are increasingly active in terminal projects abroad, including in Bangladesh, where a Chinese firm recently signed an economic zone agreement around Mongla. Read more: Prime Minister lays foundation for $336m Mongla jetty expansion.
Based on reporting by Splash247, 7 November 2026.
