Record-low river level impacts Paraguay’s foreign trade

Vessels transporting grains and other products along the Paraguay river around Asunción are using half of their carrying capacity due to the low level of the river, during a severe drought affecting river trade throughout the region, said representatives of the sector.

The drought drastically reduced the level of the river that begins in Brazil, crosses Paraguay, and flows into the Rio Paraná in northern Argentina.

Experts estimate that the phenomenon, which began three years ago, should last at least until 2022 in Paraguay, the fourth-largest soy exporter in the world.

The problem is also occurring in the flow of grains from Argentina.

“The situation is critical and delicate. Many vessels are not being used, which translates into a direct cost”, said the president of the Paraguayan Chamber of Cereal and Oilseed Exporters, César Jure.

“At the end of the year, we would still have a stock of goods to export, both for the industry and for soybeans. The new crop will have to wait in silos until we can release the old one,” he added.

Source: Money Times

To read the full original article, visit the link:  https://www.moneytimes.com.br/baixa-historica-em-nivel-de-rio-atrasa-comercio-exterior-do-paraguai/

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