The torrential flooding in South America could soon disrupt exports from Brazil’s fourth-largest soybean port in Rio Grande Do Sul as floodwaters spill over into roadways and rail routes linked to the major Brazilian grain port.
Loaded grain trucks must travel an extra 250 miles per trip to circumvent blockades and reach the Rio Grande port. That, of course, is causing delays as well as increasing freight costs.
Brazilian grain traders exported more than 10 million tons of soybeans and 3 million tons of soy meals out of Rio Grande Do Sul in 2023.
Brazil’s southernmost state has received more than 31 inches of rain in a week, which has led to the declaration of a public emergency and the deaths of at least 100 people. 128 are still missing. More rain is in the forecast through the first half of May.
China’s soybean buying is shifting hard toward Brazil, leaving U.S. shipments at risk of slowing as South America’s record crop reaches export channels
EU simplification may reduce some paperwork, but U.S. exporters still face costly traceability requirements.
U.S. grain export inspections stayed solid for the week ending May 7, with corn still leading the export pace and soybeans posting a strong weekly rebound.
U.S. Wheat Associates is expanding into global fish feed markets, with early gains in South America and new opportunities emerging in Ecuador’s shrimp industry.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to a South American cruise ship and Nebraska’s monitoring efforts on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Andy Tauer from the National Pork Board discusses efforts to boost pork demand and how the industry is responding to trade restrictions related to pseudorabies.
