Argentina’s soy exporters oppose China’s request that goods be declared free from Covid-19

Argentina’s Chamber of Grain Exporters (CIARA-CEC) told importers in China that the request for the South American country to declare that its merchandise is not contaminated by the coronavirus is “inappropriate”.

A CIARA-CEC source confirmed that a letter was sent at the end of June to Chinese importers, adding that the entity spoke with companies in Brazil, the United States and Canada, who also reject the request for a declaration guaranteeing that shipments do not have Covid-19.

Although China is the world’s largest importer of oilseeds, the Asian country has been restricting food imports due to concerns about Covid-19.  According to one of the sources, who declined to be identified, the importers’ request “is ridiculous for bulk goods that will be processed and that stay more than 15 days traveling on ships”.

The CIARA-CEC letter states that the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that “it is very unlikely that people can contract Covid-19 from food”, highlighting strict health protocols carried out by the sector.

Source: Reuters

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