Suzano Signs Five-Year Terminal Deal with Avondale, Reviving Wood Pulp Imports to Louisiana

Brazilian pulp producer Suzano has signed a five-year terminal services agreement with Avondale Global Gateway (AGG), marking the return of regular wood pulp imports to Louisiana for the first time in more than 30 years.

Under the agreement, AGG will serve as a Central Gulf Coast terminal for Suzano’s wood pulp shipments from Brazil, with onward distribution across North America via rail. The first vessel is expected to arrive at the Avondale facility in early May.

The move supports Suzano’s broader North American expansion strategy, following its 2024 acquisition of mills in Arkansas and North Carolina from Pactiv Evergreen. The company selected Avondale after a two-year evaluation focused on logistics efficiency, infrastructure capabilities, and scalability.

To accommodate the operation, AGG has upgraded 245,000 square feet of warehouse space. Enhancements include new concrete flooring, additional loading doors and platforms, overhead awnings, and a laser-based fire detection and suppression system tailored to Suzano’s requirements.

In parallel, a $13 million rail expansion project is underway at the site, partially funded by Louisiana Economic Development’s FastSites program. Total investment linked to the Suzano operation is expected to exceed $20 million and generate approximately 50 full-time jobs.

Rail logistics will play a central role, enabling efficient transfer of cargo from vessel to warehouse and onward to inland destinations. AGG has coordinated with Union Pacific to align infrastructure and service capacity ahead of launch.

The Avondale site, a former shipyard acquired by T. Parker Host in 2018, has been redeveloped into a multimodal logistics hub spanning 275 acres. It currently supports more than 600 workers across operations, tenants, and construction activities.

Suzano, the world’s largest pulp supplier, has operated in the U.S. market for over four decades and continues to expand its regional logistics footprint.