Shipping of Brazil’s significant soybean crop has recently faced disruptions due to indigenous protests and inadequate road conditions. The river port of Miritituba, a crucial point for shipping grains, is experiencing blockades that have persisted for two weeks. These obstructions are preventing the transport of nearly 70,000 tons of grains daily, which translates to approximately $30 million in products. This situation has raised concerns among major global companies, including Cargill and Bunge, which operate within the region.
The Brazilian Grain Exporters Association (Abiove) has urged the government and civil society to act promptly, as these blockades are impacting not just grain movements but also the transportation of people and essential goods. With increasing demand for Brazilian soy—particularly from China, the leading global consumer—these disruptions come at a challenging time. The port of Miritituba was responsible for loading about 15 million tons of soy and corn last year, accounting for over ten percent of Brazil’s total grain exports, with expectations for a 20% increase this year. The protests are primarily led by the Munduruku people, aiming to influence Brazil’s Supreme Court to reconsider a 2023 law limiting their land rights.
Blockades on the Transamazonian Highway have exacerbated traffic congestion along an unpaved section, with delays causing trucks to wait up to three days for unloading. Although some truckers with scheduled access have avoided long waits, estimates suggest every hour of these protests delays at least 12,000 tons of soybeans from reaching Miritituba. Violence has erupted between truckers and indigenous protesters, leading to injuries and altercations. Indigenous representatives have reported threats and aggression from truck drivers, highlighting the ongoing tensions.
Rafael Modesto, a lawyer for the Indigenous Missionary Council, indicates that these protests reflect a broader fear among indigenous communities regarding land loss amid expanding agricultural interests in Brazil. The potential changes to land reservation policies have further fueled worries about future conflicts.