A serious logistical disruption is affecting the flow of soybean imports into Argentina via the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway, according to the President of the Chamber of Private Commercial Ports. The issue stems from intense water flow at the confluence with the Bermejo River, which has forced barge convoys—primarily from Paraguay and Brazil—to divide and navigate one at a time. This has created significant congestion and delays.

The imported soybeans are vital to keeping Argentina’s oilseed processing plants active ahead of the domestic harvest. These early-season shipments enter under a temporary import regime, are processed locally, and exported as Argentine soybean meal and oil. The current slowdown jeopardizes the continuous operation of these plants, which are already underutilized due to stagnant domestic production and a heavy tax burden that discourages local output.

He stressed that inefficiencies in the logistics chain are ultimately paid for by the entire system. Fewer monthly trips by Paraguayan barge operators raise freight costs, which ripple through the agricultural export chain. He also highlighted the need for greater investment in the waterway’s infrastructure: a deeper channel would enable fully loaded vessels to navigate efficiently, reducing shipping costs by over $10 per ton.

“The government’s renewed focus on the waterway is encouraging,” He noted. “With improved navigability, Argentina could become a soybean magnet, driving activity in both ports and processing facilities.”

source: https://www.infobae.com/revista-chacra/2025/04/24/alertan-sobre-un-embudo-logistico-en-la-hidrovia/