The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) is articulating with entities and member companies in order to develop strategies to cope with the effects of the trucker strike that began this week in various states.
The ABPA has set up a crisis committee that will conduct impact studies and implement measures to facilitate delivery of inputs to farms, transportation of animals to slaughter plants and products for distribution in the domestic and international markets.
What causes the most worry, according to CEO of the ABPA Francisco Turra, is a possible repeat of the severe effects brought on by the last shutdown in February. During that occasion, cargoes could not be delivered, ports were paralyzed, companies suspended animal slaughtering and stockyards were filled to capacity. Losses exceeded R$700 million reals (about US$187 million at current exchange rates).
"November will be crucial for the sector to recover from losses of the first truckers strike and the suspension of work by federal agriculture inspectors that occurred between September and October of this year. This month, large importers such as Russia have raised imports to increase their inventories and prepare for the winter when port activities are suspended due to cold weather and ice. The strike has devastating effects on the sector and now we fear they will be even worse than what we suffered earlier this year. That's why we expect swift action from the government," says Turra. Chicken exporters ship approximately 15,000 metric tons of chicken daily, generating revenues of US$24.8 million.
In relation, the ABPA reports that court orders obtained against the blockades of the trucker strike in February still apply. The warrant issued to the ABPA granted member companies of the association free transit through the federal highways. The association is in the process of weighing new measures with the same objective for roads that are not covered by the first court order.
This means the trucks are at the service of the member companies of the ABPA and should have secure transit in federal roads. The decision is valid not only for delivery trucks, but also for vehicles collecting loads.
