Paraguay River's Record Low Water Levels Hit Grain Shipments

The Paraguay River, a major grain shipping route, has hit a historic low at Asuncion due to severe droughts in Brazil. Water levels are expected to keep dropping, causing significant delays and reduced cargo volumes. The low water levels impact both Paraguayan and Argentine waterways crucial for grain exports.

The Paraguay River in South America, essential for grain transport, has reached a historic low in Asuncion as severe droughts in Brazil continue to dry up the waterway. Meteorological data reveal the river is now below minus 0.82 meters, breaking the previous low from October 2021.

With no immediate rain forecasted, the national Meteorology and Hydrology Directorate expects the water levels to keep on dropping. The Parana River in Argentina, another vital grain route, is also nearing year-low levels around the Rosario grains hub. Both rivers originate in Brazil and are crucial for soy, corn, and other commodities.

The extreme decrease in water levels has practically halted navigation in northern sections of the Paraguay River, according to CAPPRO, the Paraguayan oilseed and grain crushing chamber. Shipments have been significantly delayed and transport volumes reduced, affecting key agribusiness members like ADM, Bunge, and Cargill.

(With inputs from agencies.)