Agricultural producers protest against government and stop sales in Argentina

The main organizations of agricultural producers in Argentina demonstrated on the highways, this Wednesday (13), and suspended the commercialization of grains and livestock for 24 hours to demand changes in the economic policy of the government of Alberto Fernández.

Producers ask for tax exemption and the normalization of fuel supply. Argentina has faced a shortage of gasoline in recent weeks, at the height of the harvest.

One of the main food producers in the world and the main exporter of soy oil and flour, the country was, on the one hand, benefited by the sudden increase in cereal and oilseed prices, as a consequence of the War in Ukraine.

On the other hand, the conflict also made imports of fertilizers and fuels, essential for the countryside, more expensive. Argentina imports 60% of the fertilizers it consumes, and 15% comes from Russia.

The protest was organized just days after the appointment of the new Economy Minister, Silvina Batakis, in the wake of the resignation of her predecessor, Martín Guzmán, amid currency turmoil and an inflation estimated at 76% for this year.

Agribusiness exports are expected to reach a record US$41 billion in 2022, around US$3 billion more than in 2021.