| The Brazil nut market continues to be heavily impacted by the ongoing social and economic crisis in Bolivia. Since January, protests against government austerity measures and fuel price increases have escalated into widespread blockades across the country, severely disrupting transport and exports. La Paz remains the most affected area, with shortages of fuel and essential goods, while key logistics corridors to Chilean ports remain heavily restricted. The situation intensified further last week after the government authorised military support to clear roadblocks, although no large-scale intervention has yet taken place. |
| The disruption is having a significant impact on Brazil nut exports. Container availability remains extremely limited, several factories have reduced processing due to storage constraints, and many exporters have withdrawn forward offers due to the lack of visibility on shipment schedules. In response, shippers are increasingly exploring alternative export routes through Peru and Brazil, allowing cargo to bypass La Paz, which remains under the tightest blockade conditions. While these routes offer some potential relief, they remain more complex and costly than traditional logistics channels. Even once the blockades are lifted, delays are expected as transport networks recover and containers are repositioned throughout the region. |
