Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / BUSINESS
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
Business Contents:  Your Money | Economy Companies

14:53 GMT, Wednesday, 28 May 2008 15:53 UK

Argentine farmers block exports

Tractors block a main highway in Argentina on 19 March as [part of farmers' protests against tax rises

Tens of thousands of Argentine farmers have promised to suspend the export of grain and meat exports, in a continuing dispute with the government over taxes.

The farmers said they would not take their goods to market between 28 May and 2 June and would block roads.

"The farmers' commission has resolved to call on all growers in the country to resume protest measures," said the Argentine Rural Confederation.

Argentina raised export taxes in March, prompting national strikes.

For two months, farmers have been unable to reach any agreement with the government.

Farmers started protesting after the government imposed higher taxes on soybean exports from 35% to 45% and placed new taxes on other farm exports, including wheat.

President Cristina Fernandez argues that the increases are necessary for better wealth distribution. But the farmers say they are being unfairly taxed and making a living is proving increasingly difficult.

The government recently issued a statement saying: "It's surprising to see the virulence of this savage and interminable lock-out."

Farmers "boast of causing shortages and don't care about making the food that Argentine families need for their tables more expensive," it added.

Farmers started roadblocks on Tuesday to prevent lorries from taking grain into Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil.



E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Q&A: Argentina farm protests (01 Apr 08 |  Business )
Argentine farm tax crisis worsens (27 Mar 08 |  Americas )
Why are wheat prices rising? (26 Feb 08 |  Business )
Argentina's divisions clear to see (26 Oct 07 |  Americas )
Profile: Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (29 Oct 07 |  Americas )
Country profile: Argentina (12 Dec 07 |  Country profiles )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Argentina presidency (in Spanish)
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
Business Contents:  Your Money | Economy Companies

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©