Port Disruptions: Pilots’ Conflict Is Costing Argentina’s Agricultural Sector US$4.5 Million Per Day – La Nación | 04/08/26

The suspension of pilotage services continues to paralyze operations at Argentina’s commercial ports, affecting 45 grain vessels from the country’s agro-export sector that are waiting to depart. According to industry estimates, the cost of these delays ranges between US$50,000 and US$100,000 per vessel per day, resulting in losses of approximately US$4.5 million per day, which could rise to US$9 million if the disruption lasts for two days. Gustavo Idígoras, president of the Argentine Oil Industry Chamber and the Grain Exporters Center (Ciara-CEC), warned that the disruption now affects virtually all port operations nationwide, including vessels transporting automobiles, fuel, and other cargoes. He also cautioned that, if the conflict continues, grain deliveries to ports could eventually be suspended as storage capacity reaches its limits, disrupting the entire supply chain. The dispute began following the publication of Decree 690/2026, which reforms Argentina’s pilotage system by deregulating the sector, promoting competition, and reducing logistics costs, while maritime pilots argue that the changes compromise navigational safety. Guillermo Wade, manager of the Argentine Chamber of Port and Maritime Activities (CAPyM), explained that processing plants continue operating and trucks are still arriving at terminals as long as storage capacity remains available, but warned that cargo reception may eventually have to stop if the disruption persists. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Private Commercial Ports (CPPC) expressed deep concern over the impact on Argentina’s foreign trade, stating that the suspension of pilotage services disrupts exports and imports, reduces foreign currency inflows, breaks supply chains, increases logistics costs, exposes exporters to contractual penalties, and damages the country’s international reputation. The organization also argued that the conflict highlights the need to modernize the pilotage system and called for the urgent creation of a negotiation table between the government and the sector to restore navigability and advance discussions on the regulatory framework. Link to Article