A strike initiated by Argentine oilseed industry workers has brought grain shipments from local ports associated with soybean processing plants to a standstill, according to the country's Ports and Maritime Activities Chamber (CAPyM). This development has significant implications for global agricultural trade, particularly in the supply of processed soybeans—a critical commodity used in products ranging from food to biodiesel.
Argentina stands as a leading global supplier of processed soybeans, making this disruption particularly impactful. The strike began early Tuesday, led by two major industry unions: the SOEA oilseed factory workers' union and the oilseed federation. The strike was triggered after negotiations with sector companies failed, as workers demanded better wages amidst the country's soaring inflation.
Guillermo Wade, head of CAPyM, reported that ports unaffiliated with the oilseed federation union are functioning normally. However, operations at all other ports have been halted, creating a bottleneck in the country’s grain exports.
Only two ports among Argentina's principal farm shipping hubs, both situated north of Rosario on the Parana River, are unaffected. These ports, which do not have soybean crushing plants, are associated with global commodities giant Archer Daniels Midland and local firm ACA.
Over 80% of Argentina's grain and grain derivative exports are managed through ports located north of Rosario, including those operated by major grain traders such as Cargill and Bunge. The ongoing strike is expected to cause significant delays and could potentially lead to ripple effects across the global agricultural market.
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