Trade operations at some ports in Argentina hit on COVID-19 measures

New Delhi — Trade operations at some of the ports and terminals in Argentina have been hit as workers are in talks with the port authorities regarding the safety measures to be followed to contain the spread of COVID-19, according to a private shipping agency based in the country.

Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez made social isolation compulsory for the whole country starting Friday till March 31.

Urgent activities of foreign trade are exempted from the decree, the shipping company said.

However, it is yet to be seen how different parties will interpret the order and how this will affect operations at Argentinian ports, the agency said.

Stevedores have stopped work at all terminals at San Lorenzo port, except San Benito and ACA, and are holding meetings to decide the further course of action, while stevedores union have stopped all operations at Bahia Blanca port and are in talks with port authorities to define the conditions to continue work, the agency said.

Also stevedores at Necochea port are requesting 14 days quarantine compliance for two vessels at wharfs 1 and 3 that came from Brazil, it said.

Operations are also discontinued at Timbues and San Martin terminals as stevedores are not available, a broker with a shipping agency source said.

Argentina is one of the world's leading exporters of grains, oilseeds and related products.