Rural producers build tractors in Buenos Aires in protest against the government – 23/04/2022 – Mercado

Rural producers took a tractor to the Plaza de Mayo, downtown Buenos Aires, on Saturday (23), to complain about the government’s intentions Raise taxes on exports And against economic policy in general.

Armed with flags Argentina Anti-government posters, producers and workers chanted slogans against the country’s measures and the attempt to eradicate economic inflation, which did not show any results. Food is up 7.8% last month, and the annual inflation rate is 50%.

Hundreds of people on foot, not directly connected to the camp, joined the protest that brought together thousands of people.

Producers are complaining about current export taxes, government threats to halt exports of some products – such as wheat and meat – to “fight domestic inflation” and “guarantee supply from the local market” and double exchange rate.

In fact, Argentina currently has seven different quotations for the dollar, and whoever wants to import and export must deal with the official quotation, while prices rise in parallel. In addition, it represents 170 different taxes on the most diversified production activities associated with exports.

In his last speech, Mr. President, Alberto Fernandez He said the country was “at war against inflation”. In practice, protectionist policies that were not able to contain prices increased.

One poster said, “Country with lower taxes, just spend less and devote yourself to something else.”

The last straw of protest came in recent days when the government increased DEX (export duties) on soy flour and oil by two percentage points, equaling 33% of the rate paid for grain.

Economy Minister Martin Guzman said that for now, there are no plans to increase DEX (also called retention) for wheat and corn. But rumors that there is not even a guaranteed seat in the post is adding to the mistrust in the market.

The current Minister of Internal Trade, Roberto Feletti, author of the plans to freeze prices in force today in the country, called on the government to increase export duties on wheat and corn. The internal tension between them should continue in the coming days.

According to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, due to the increase in production costs, the area for wheat cultivation this year will be 3% to 5% less.

“We did not come to ask you to help us, but to get us out,” he wrote on one of the large banners seen in the square. Another: “We are not ready to continue financing the rope they are hanging us with.”