Area
Brazil
Commodity Group
Oilseeds, oils and meals
Commodity
Grains, oilseeds
Date
18/06/2018
Policy Category
Other
Policy Instrument
Transportation policy
Description
Implemented temporary reductions in fuel taxes and introduced minimum freight rates to halt a nationwide strike by Brazil\'s truck drivers.
Notes
In May, a nationwide 10-day strike by Brazils truck drivers to protest high fuel prices paralysed large parts of the economy. Reportedly, the countrys agricultural production, processing, distribution and exportation networks faced serious disruptions. In an effort to appease truckers, the Brazilian Government introduced temporary reductions in fuel taxes and imposed minimum freight rates. The latter measure has been challenged in the countrys Supreme Court by agriculture and industry groups. Freight costs play a crucial role in many sectors because Brazils transport matrix is highly dependent on road transport. Reportedly, uncertain about how transport costs are going to develop, farmers are delaying purchases of fertilizers and other inputs for the next season, while traders are reluctant to sign forward contracts for the forthcoming crop despite expectations of stronger sales due to the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Private sources reckon that the current, state-imposed minimum freight rates push up average transportation costs for soybean and maize by 1728 percent.
