July 31st 2023
Grain surveyors on strike
National Holidays: Monday August 21st, 2023
Grains and Markets:
The latest “bonus” exchange rate for maize has now rounded off it’s first week. Other than upsetting most of the participants in the agrochain and grain trade, the net result so far, is that an additional 2,070,000 tons of maize has been recorded or booked for export within the granted period.
Morocco is in the market for a full Panamax of soya meal during October dates. Iran’s tender for 120,000 tons of soya meal in August-September is still not wrapped.
Algeria confirmed the purchase of 120,000 tons of maize in August (th4 “spot”), origin unreported. Iran’s tender for 120,000 tons of maize still unfixed.
Grain surveyors on strike, again:
The National Union of Grain surveyors (URGARA) have called a 24-hour nationwide strike, starting July 31st at 00:00 hours.
This is a wage related strike. Loading operations at some berths may be affected.
Barge tonnage detention and embargo:
As mentioned, a while back, the AGP who collects tolls of the River Parana, started to charge tolls on river traffic north of Santa Fe, up to Confluencia (a junction where the rivers Parana and Paraguay meet). River barge carriers are subject to a toll of USD 1.47 per NRT. The money collected is meant to pay for maintenance and improvement of the river navigation. There has been considerable opposition from Paraguayan, Bolivian and Brazilian barge operators against this new toll, and some have ignored the charges.
Consequently, it was announced Friday 28th that the AGP have placed embargoes on two pusher and barge convoys and they are “under arrest” in San Nicolás. One combo is Paraguayan registry, and another is Bolivian registry.
Just for good order’s sake, this dispute is separate from the claims by Hidrovia SA for unpaid toll dues on ocean vessels towards the end of the mandate for toll collection and maintenance south of Santa Fé.
STS Bunker at zona comun for next days:
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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