Dificuldades logísticas enfrentadas pelos exportadores de soja no Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

One of the main difficulties faced by soy producers and exporters in the State of Rio Grande do Sul is the precariousness of the logistical system used for the production flow. This situation motivates the identification of the main points to be improved, aiming at reducing logistical costs and increasing the competitiveness of this product in the foreign market. Given this context, the present work focused on the identification of the main logistical difficulties faced by soybean exporters in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. For this purpose, an exploratory qualitative research was carried out, made operational by conducting six in-depth interviews, with two professional soy producers, two soy exporters, and two agricultural inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. Through the interviews, it was possible to identify the main modes used and the main difficulties faced. Currently, the road transport is the main responsible for transporting the grain to the port of Rio Grande, however, its structure is not adequately adapted to support the truck fleet used in the production flow. Insecurity, congestion, and long distances are some of the factors that hinder the use of the modal. Another relevant factor is the low representativeness of rail and waterway modes, which, even with competitive potential, the option for modalities decreases crop after crop. The results obtained reinforce the importance of logistics for agribusiness, especially as it interferes with the competitiveness of soy destined for foreign markets. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]