Ipea

Funds earmarked by the Brazilian Government to improve roads, railways and hydro channels for shipping cargo transport have not been fully spent, according to the Institute of economic research (Ipea). Federal road spending was estimated to be US $ 6.72 billion (BRL 13.62bn) in 2012, but Ipea says that so far only 48.3% $ 3.23 billion (BRL 6.58bn) of that amount has been used.

A report by the Brazilian industry body Ipea points to the need for massive investment to continue expansion and upgrades to the country's road system.