Grain Shipments from Latin America

摘要

The start of the Latin American grain export season is likely to be delayed as a result of disruptions to grain shipments from Argentina and Brazil. Before the strike-related problems, combined grain exports from Argentina and Brazil (excluding Brazilian corn) in the 2q08 were estimated at a record 34.2 Mt, up from 33.5 Mt in the 2q07. Shipments from Argentina, the world's second-largest corn, third-largest soyabean and a top five wheat exporter, were disrupted for 3 weeks from March 11 when farmers began to strike after the government introduced new export taxes on grains and oilseeds. The strike was suspended on April 2 for a 30 day period during which talks between the government and the farmers are expected to continue. If the export taxes are not lowered, farmers say they will strike again.