La Niña threatens Argentina’s grain crops and export logistics

A possible drought from La Niña over the next six months in Argentina threatens the country’s two main commercial crops – corn and soybeans – while complicating the navigation of bulk carriers on the Paraná River, analysts said.

Meteorologists say the La Niña weather phenomenon is likely to resurface after a patchy appearance last season, signaling an additional drought and threatening crops and lowering water levels in Argentina’s main grain waterway, in a part of South America that has been plagued for months.

“In the context of the reappearance of La Niña, the lack of rain will not be corrected by itself,” said German Heinzenknecht, a meteorologist at the Argentine consultancy Applied Climatology.

“At best, it may be normal in some areas. But a return to normal rainfall will not correct the flow of the river, which will have a very serious effect on transport logistics, hydroelectric power generation, and the supply of drinking water,” he said.

Argentina, a South American agricultural powerhouse, is the third-largest corn supplier in the world, and the largest global exporter of soybean meal. This month, the low level of the Paraná River meant that the carrying capacity was reduced by between 18% and 25% per vessel, according to local authorities.

Source: Money Times

To read the full original article, visit the link:

https://www.moneytimes.com.br/la-nina-ameaca-safras-de-graos-e-logisticas-de-exportacao-da-argentina/

Sharing is caring!