Argentina’s foreign trade is currently in day two of a standstill following President Javier Milei’s decision to deregulate port piloting services, triggering a labor conflict with sector workers that is affecting more than 150 vessels.

The strike hit the country’s main ports — La Plata, Dock Sud, Buenos Aires, Zárate-Campana, Quequén, Bahía Blanca, Rosario, and others along the Paraná River. Operations are being rerouted to Montevideo and southern Brazil.

Uncertainty and concern over the protest, which is causing million-dollar losses, are spreading among business leaders. Some are even quietly criticizing the government for its handling of the reform.

“It’s terrible that this is happening,” businessman and importer Martín Zocchio told the Herald, adding that ships that have trouble entering and operating at a specific destination will eventually “unload at an alternative port.”

Zocchio said that moving a container from Montevideo to Buenos Aires costs between US$700 and US$1,000, with destination charges included.

The measure is also hitting........

© Buenos Aires Herald