Montevideo port strikes cost millions, business leaders warn

Business leaders in Uruguay are sounding the alarm over significant financial losses stemming from persistent union strikes at the Port of Montevideo. Leonardo Loureiro, president of the Confederation of Chambers of Commerce, estimates that the ongoing labor disputes have already cost the country "tens of millions of dollars."

Loureiro met with President Yamandú Orsi to express deep concern over the port's conflictive labor situation. He highlighted that the stoppages affect "all sectors of economic activity" and impose a "very high cost on the country." The disruption can force businesses to alter their operations, such as switching from chilled to frozen meat shipments, which represents a different business model and incurs losses. Beyond financial impacts, the reliability of the port is crucial for Uruguay's national image.

The Terminal Cuenca del Plata, a key logistics hub partly owned by Belgian operator Katoen Natie, has faced repeated interruptions due to these conflicts. The Chamber of Industries of Uruguay has also urged the government to take immediate action, emphasizing that economic growth depends on an efficient port.

While the Uruguayan government has not ruled out declaring the port an essential service to ensure operations, it is currently waiting for the involved parties to reach an agreement through negotiations. Loureiro indicated that the government possesses the authority to intervene if necessary.