On 9 Nov., Argentine grain port workers have staged a surprise strike because of poor wage negotiations and other factors, delaying exports by one of the world's largest exporters, the labor union representing the country's grain port workers expressed on Monday.

A spokesman for the URGARA union, Juan Carlos Peralta, said the strike in one of Argentina's richest port areas would be halted if necessary, avoid reducing cargo congestion at ports as much as possible. The clashes come as major oil alliances in grain export centres have threatened separate strike action over pandemic payments and are being mediated by the government to keep the port function well.

Argentina is the world's largest exporter of soybean meal and oil processing, as well as one of the largest exporters of raw soybeans. Grain is the country's main export engine and an important source of much-needed foreign currency.

The URGAA protests hit companies in the Rosario agricultural export region (one of the most important exports in the world) and Bahia Blanca, including the major ACA cooperative and ADM.

Today, in the port of San Lorenzo, north of Del Rosario in Santa Fe Province, all grain shipments were halted, said one industry source, who asked not to be named.

It is not clear how long the strike may last. Please keep an eye on the port situation to avoid economic losses.