Suzano has selected Avondale Global Gateway in Louisiana as a key Gulf Coast logistics hub, marking the return of regular wood pulp imports to the state for the first time in more than 30 years. The agreement was announced April 30, 2026.
Under a five-year terminal services agreement, Avondale will handle wood pulp shipments arriving from Brazil and distribute them across North America by rail. The first vessel is expected to arrive in early May.
Expanding North American logistics
The move supports Suzano’s ongoing expansion in North America, following its 2024 acquisition of mills in Arkansas and North Carolina. The company selected Avondale after a two-year evaluation process focused on logistics efficiency, infrastructure and scalability.
The site is expected to strengthen Suzano’s supply chain by providing a more centralized Gulf Coast platform with access to river transport and rail networks.
Infrastructure upgrades and investment
To support the new operation, Avondale Global Gateway upgraded 245,000 square feet of warehouse space, including reinforced flooring, additional loading capacity and fire detection systems.
A $13 million rail expansion is also underway, with total investment tied to the project expected to exceed $20 million over time. The development is projected to support approximately 50 full-time jobs.
Multimodal transport strategy
Rail will play a central role in the operation, enabling efficient cargo movement from vessel to inland destinations across the United States. The terminal operator worked with rail partners to align infrastructure and capacity ahead of launch.
The Avondale site, redeveloped from a former shipyard, has been transformed into a multimodal logistics hub supporting bulk and breakbulk cargo flows.
Suzano produces market pulp and paper products, with operations primarily in Brazil. The company supplies fibre to global markets across packaging, tissue and specialty paper segments. It also develops bio-based products derived from eucalyptus fibre for industrial applications and renewable materials.
