Country News
Argentina: Export logistics slowed even further this week as two of the country’s largest trucking unions went on strike. Some ports have seen all incoming trucks come to a halt while others have seen a marked decrease in volumes. Rosario saw 125 trucks arrive from midnight to 7:00 AM on Wednesday, versus over 7,000 the prior week. (Various sources).
Poland: A recent USDA report pegged total ethanol production in Poland at 200,000 MT. Poland’s bioethanol and biodiesel industry both have excess capacity and further investment or production expansions are not anticipated. Poland’s National Incentive Target is 7.1 percent for this year and will expand to 20 percent renewables in all energy used by 2020. (USDA/FAS GAIN report)
Lithuania: Lithuanian ethanol production was estimated at 12,000 MT according to USDA/FAS, roughly half of the country’s 2011 production (23,000 MT). Production decreases came after a 2014 bankruptcy and subsequent closure of one Lithuanian ethanol plant. Lithuanian ethanol consumption is estimated at 11,000 MT, down 4,000 MT from the prior year. The USDA report notes that only a small proportion of Lithuania’s vehicles use ethanol due to the harsh winter conditions. (USDA/FAS GAIN report)
South Africa: Despite the drought in South Africa, one South African bank is noting little stress on the bank’s loan portfolio. South Africa experienced the least rainfall since record keeping started in 1904, severely damaging crops and livestock herds. (Bloomberg)
South Africa: Astral Foods, Ltd. notes that high deed costs are forcing it to consider permanent cuts in its poultry production. (Bloomberg).