The queue of containers waiting to be released for entry and exit at the Port of Santos, the largest port complex in Latin America, which was 5,000 containers until June 24, jumped to 5,500 until yesterday (27/06).

The issuance of certificates for the release of cargo, including agribusiness products, which used to take up to 72 hours now takes up to 14 days to issue.

Agricultural auditors (affas) are responsible for releasing various products for export and import in Brazil, including agricultural and livestock inputs, such as fertilizers, agrochemicals, seeds, veterinary products and animal feed.

The impact on the country's port logistics is due to the standard operation of agricultural auditors, who work for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa) and have been mobilizing for some time. At the end of May, for example, it was reported that more than a thousand trucks were “stuck” at the Paraguay-Brazil border.

"The queue of containers refers only to the 50-day period of standard operation of the category", said ANFFA in a note. In addition to containers, bulk carriers of wheat and fertilizers for import are also being affected.

According to Jeferson Souza, an analyst at Agrinvest Commodities, fertilizer imports for the year 2022 are record highs, helping to ensure that the supply will be adequate for the 2022/23 grain harvest. Even so, the analyst points out that the Santos terminal recorded a decrease at the beginning of the year in its receipts, but it is not possible to relate the scenario with the issue of standard operation.

“Meanwhile, the Port of Paranaguá registered progress in imports,” said Souza.

Safras & Mercado analyst Maurício Muruci says that in fact there is a delay in Brazilian ports, but that in the case of sugar the line-up is high, that is, there has been no influence on the volume of sweetener to be exported, as the harvest is in progress. Until yesterday (27), 3.065 million tons of sugar were included in the schedule of shipments from Santos, with 59 ships waiting to disembark.

The Union of Port Operators of the State of São Paulo (SOPESP) stated that “as determined by its members, there are no records of unusual operations” in the Port of Santos, but that the entity continues to monitor the situation.

The Santos Port Authority (SPA) is responsible for the public infrastructure of the Port of Santos, without interference in the movement of cargo or its release by the other consenting bodies. However, he said that there was an increase in cargo until May this year in movements.

“The consolidated statistics until May of this year registered a growth of 5.5% in cargo handling compared to the same period last year, reflecting the normality of port operations”, said SPA.

The Mapa was contacted to comment on the matter, but has not yet commented on the matter.

“In the case of exports, many containers and ships already face difficulties in releasing cargo in the countries of destination, also because of the delay in issuing certifications, generating an impact on the receipt of sales supported by letter of credit”, highlighted the ANFFA Sindical.

Source: www.noticiasagricolas.com.br