The historically low level in Argentina's most important waterway, the Parana River, has deteriorated even further. Exporters of agricultural raw materials can use their cargo ships less and less. There the crop accumulates on the farms and in the loading ports.
Sunny weather speeds up harvesting in Argentina's pampas, where soybeans and corn are currently being harvested. It is extremely dry in the upper reaches of the river, which transports 80% of Argentina's agricultural exports.
In Puerto Rosario the water level is given as 0.55 centimeters, the water level in April is usually four meters. The Panamax ships are currently loading 10,000 tonnes less than they can hold. The river carries as little water as it has in decades. In the south, where the river is deeper, the charges are filled, which takes time and is expensive.
The river gets less water from the Brazilian states of Sao Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. There is already a water shortage before the actual dry season. Therefore, climate experts assume that the Parana will carry even less water. Their findings are based on satellite observations by the water authorities.
April is the highest harvest time for Argentine soybeans and corn. These are the most important crops that have been successfully sold on the world market for years.
The Rosario Grains Exchange recently estimates the 2020 soybean harvest in Argentina at 49.5 million tons and the corn harvest at 50 million tons. Around half of the expected soybean harvest has been sold. As of today, 34.5% of the corn harvest has already been harvested.
Source
Hansa Terminhandel GmbH
