Covid-19 among truckers causing concern for Brazil’s soybean exports

The coincidence of the expected peak of the Covid-19 epidemic in Brazil and Argentina with the soybean export season of April and May has sparked concerns in major buyer China, as roadblocks and sickness among transport workers create logistical problems.

During a press conference on the subject in early April, Wei Baigang of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture made it clear that the government was focusing on soybeans, one of the few essential foodstuffs that China imports in massive quantities. Imported soybeans are mainly used to feed China’s vast hog population.

“[We] will strengthen coordination with exporting countries and continue to promote plans to revitalize soya at home to ensure supply,” he said, referring to a policy released in October last year that aims to develop Chinese self-sufficiency for key crops. Mr. Wei also said China would resume imports of soybeans from the U.S., following the latest trade agreement between the two countries — which sparked concerns in Brazil.

Meanwhile, agribusiness in Brazil has moved to allay fears of supply shortages. According to Sérgio Mendes, executive director of the Brazilian Association of Grain Exporters (ANEC), coordination between the Ministries of Agriculture, Infrastructure, and Health will stop the crisis from decimating the supply chain.

“They are doing a great job, working quickly and anticipating events with decrees that would normally...