Strike at the port of Quequén blocks shipment of 347.6 thousand tons of grains and affects Argentine exports
The strike by Argentine truck drivers at the port of Quequén, in the south of the province of Buenos Aires, resulted in losses of US$280 million. The estimate was presented by Gustavo Idígoras, president of the (Argentine Chamber of the Oil Industry and the Cereal Exporters Center), to the Argentine newspaper on Tuesday (April 21, 2026).
The strike has already lasted two weeks and prevented the shipment of 347,600 tons of grain. Maritime transporters are considering diverting cargo to the port of Bahia Blanca or to Brazilian ports, according to the agricultural export sector.
Truck drivers demand a 25% to 30% increase in freight prices. They claim that operating costs have grown significantly in relation to the revenue obtained. According to the The Nationdiesel registered an accumulated increase of more than 30% in 2026.
Discussions between drivers, grain storage companies and groups of agricultural producers continue without reaching an agreement.
Of the total 347.6 thousand tons that were no longer shipped, 126 thousand tons correspond to sunflower seeds and 118.6 thousand tons of corn. Wheat totals 78,000 tons and barley totals 25,000 tons.
The port of Quequén is one of the main outlets for Argentine agricultural production. The shutdown directly affects the terminal’s export operations.
