280 words / 1.5 min reading time
- Production figures for the 1H of Mar where published today;
- Although they officially count as 2019/20, the mills in operation are actually starting the 2020/21 season;
- 32 mills in operations and no disruptions were reported by millers due to coronavirus, therefore schedule remains on track for the moment
1H of March Data
- Earlier today, UNICA disclosed CS production data of 1H of March.
- Crush was slightly higher than initial estimates due to drier weather in the period, with almost 3mmt processed
- In the 1H of March, CS registered 32 mills in operation – slightly higher than last year.
- For the next fortnight, estimates point to 68 mills in operation.
- According to UNICA, 12 mills delayed the start and will begin the season only in 1H April – not due to coronavirus.
- No disruptions were reported by millers due to coronavirus, and schedule remains on track for the moment.
- Mills are taking all the recommended precautions for the safety of its employees.
- Furthermore, mills fall under the category of essential services and therefore are not subjected to quarantine measures imposed in several regions.
- We reckon that there is the risk of unions asking for paralysation, but judges have been overruling these requests – as seen with meat and grains plants.
Ethanol Market
- Hydrous sales have seen another fall during the 1H of Mar.
- Fuel demand reduction combined with a price parity at the gas stations of over 70% contributed for sales to fall under 700mi litres.
- The upcoming fortnights should show an even bigger fall in demand due to quarantine measures imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
