July 19th 2023
Vaca Muerta-Litoral gas pipe line
National Holidays: Monday August 21st, 2023
Grains and Markets:
Malaysia is in the market for maize (Panamax) October dates. The Philippines are still looking for their Panamax full of maize in November, Egypt is also looking to import a Panamax, but in October. Algeria tomorrow tenders for 240,000 tons of ECSA maize July and August dates.
New “bonus” exchange rate scheme for grains in the pipeline:
There are strong rumors in the grains markets of a new “bonus” exchange rate scheme for grain exports.
What is being schemed by the Government is a repeat of the soya 30 day programs during April, August and December in 2022.
It basically consists of a special exchange rate to be applied to incomes generated by grain exports.
The new scheme, no date for implementation defined yet, will instead cover soya beans, maize and sunflower seed.
Today the income earned by exports are paid to farmers at an exchange rate of about Pesos 279 for every US Dollar.
During the “window” for the “bonus” period an exchange rate of Pesos 350 for every US Dollar is applied.
All grain export sales registered during the period will be applied at the indicated rate.
Just for comparison’s sake, the “parallel” (black market rate) exchange rate is in the order of Pesos 519 per US Dollar.
The Government seeks to increase it’s foreign revenue reserves through these schemes and at the same time physical exports are increased in volume during these periods.
Vaca Muerta-Litoral gas pipe line:
The Government has announced they will be tendering for the second stage (second half) of the Vaca Muerta-Litoral gas pipeline during September. The tender, if handled the same way as the first half, will be for the whole construction and supply of the project. This second stage will consist of about 570 kilometers in length of steel piping. The pipes are 30 to 36 inches in diameter and were shipped in “crude” form from Brazil. They then were discharged at Dock Sud (Buenos Aires) for further processing (coating), laid down, welded and placed between Tratayen and Saliqueló.
Vaca Muerta-Litoral gas pipe line
STS Bunker at zona comun for next days:
1907-Bunkers
As always, the STS operation is up to the discretion of the Master’s of the vessels involved.
Will keep you posted.
Best regards,
Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.
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