Amport, a consortium of Brazilian port terminal operators, announced Thursday that grain transportation along the Tapajos River has ceased due to a severe drought in northern Brazil that has significantly reduced water levels. The Tapajos waterway is a crucial route connecting Brazil's central and northern regions, facilitating the movement of grains from major agricultural areas, including Mato Grosso, the nation's leading soy producer, to ports in the Amazon. Amport, which represents major agricultural companies like Cargill and Louis Dreyfus, informed Reuters that barge convoys carrying grains have been unable to navigate the Tapajos since last Friday. Operations are anticipated to resume in November, contingent on predicted rainfall. "Companies are awaiting a river level increase of at least 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) to ensure safe navigation," Amport stated. This drought had previously disrupted grain shipments on the Madeira River, another vital grain transport route, in September. Sergio Mendes, president of the local grain traders association Anec, stated Thursday that these logistical challenges have not affected overall export volumes, as companies had proactively prepared by rerouting some grain shipments to ports in southern Brazil.

(Reuters - Reporting by Roberto Samora in Sao Paulo; Writing by Andre Romani; Editing by Aurora Ellis)