Strike at Brazilian Ports & Airports

We have received reports from our agents in Brazil about strikes occurring at the ports, including Santos, Paranagua, Salvador, Manaus, Santarem, Santana and Itacoatiara. Strikes by Brazilian customs officers are disrupting major ports and the clearance of imported goods has slowed significantly. We have the following details on the impact of localized strikes by customs officials:

• Officials at the airport and seaport of Rio de Janeiro are working at this time.
• Officials at the airport at Guarulhos, which services São Paulo, remain on strike.
• Officials at the seaport of Santos, which services São Paulo, are working very slowly and not releasing shipments, they are only checking customs paperwork. 

Customs officers are demanding better salaries and working conditions. They have advised shipping agents that they would stop work for two days a week, and only work at a minimal level on the remaining days, until an agreement is reached.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and request your understanding in this disruption.