Argentina and Pilots Reach Deal on Fees, Easing Grain Export Bottleneck

Argentina has reached an agreement with maritime pilots to cut their fees by 20%, resolving a dispute that had halted ship movements and disrupted grain exports. The deal, announced on Tuesday, should ease congestion at ports along the Parana River, which is crucial for exporting soy, corn, and wheat.

The maritime pilots, who guide ships through local waterways, had gone on strike over government plans to deregulate the sector. The stoppage raised concerns about delays in farm shipments, particularly as Argentina is a major supplier of grain and processed soy products.

Under the agreement, the pilots will resume navigation services immediately, and authorities have suspended the deregulation measure affecting the sector. Talks are planned with pilots and other state agencies to review the issue.