Argentina’s grain exports returned to normal levels after the 24-hour strike by pilots along the Paraná River ended. Of course, given that this particular river constitutes a commercial artery with a decisive role for exports of soybeans, corn, and wheat from Argentina, approximately 45 ships remained “stranded” there, causing disruption among the parties involved.
The cause of the pilots’ strike was the initial decision by Buenos Aires to “liberalize” pilotage services, citing the need to abolish “outdated” legislation. This decision would have put the jobs of many pilots at risk, who then mobilized, requesting that the decision be revoked.
Ultimately, after negotiations between the pilots and the government of Argentina, it was decided not to proceed with the liberalization of services, in exchange for a 20% reduction in their pay.
Despite the end of the strike, the risk of disruptions in the grain supply chain looms, as the volume of exports from the Paraná River is particularly high. As Al Jazeera reports in a relevant publication, any congestion at an Argentine port may have negative repercussions on the global food market.
