Paraguay and Argentina dispute cabotage and tolls on Paraguay‑Paraná waterway

The Argentine Federation of Shipping Companies (FENA) issued a statement opposing any deregulation of the national cabotage law that would allow foreign‑flagged vessels to operate domestic routes. FENA argues that such opening could increase logistical costs, undermine the domestic fleet, and threaten the jobs of more than 6,300 river and maritime workers while compromising sustainable development.

In Paraguay, the National Navigation and Ports Administration (ANNP) dismissed rumours of a toll increase on the Paraguay‑Paraná waterway, confirming that the charge will remain at US$1.30 per ton. Exporters and transport operators warned that a higher fee would raise logistics expenses for a sector that carries roughly 80% of Paraguay’s foreign trade, reducing export competitiveness.