MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine minister denies soybean oil exports to China “have been interrupted”

Agriculture Minister Julián Domínguez

Argentine Agriculture Minister Julián Domínguez said Tuesday that soybean oil exports to China “have not been interrupted” and assured that supplying companies “have promised to readapt themselves to the Asian country's demands”.

Domínguez was summoned by the Lower House Agriculture Committee and briefed members on the sector's upcoming outreach for this year, according to official sources. The committee is chaired by opposition member Ricardo Buryaile.

He also said that only 35% of the Hilton beef quota program has been assigned so far, and clarified that after midnight tonight “the distribution of the quota will begin under different criteria,” which has been established by the government.

The Agriculture Committee lawmakers questioned the minister on the ongoing negotiations the country is carrying out with China for the commercialization of soybean, for the livestock policies, for wheat and corn production and for the regional economies' problems, among other already-fixed issues featured in the agenda.

On Monday the Argentine farmers’ Liaison Committee threatened the Government with new protests, since “there is an upset feeling” among the farming sector producers.

The members of the committee are to gather on Thursday to talk on how the protests are to continue and do not rule out to implement new measures.