27 October 2022 (02:00-UTC-07 Tango 06) 05 Aban 1401/01 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1444/03 Geng-Xu (10th month) 4720/27 октября 2022 года

“The government, in response to the fears of Bolivian families about the risk of a shortage of strategic food for the population, as a preventive measure… in order to ensure food security and sovereignty, temporarily suspends the export of the following products: soybean, soybean meal, whole grain soybean flour, sugar, oil and beef.”-Néstor Huanca, Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy

The South American country of Bolivia has halted food exports, officially blaming it on supply problems.

The food export ban includes soy, sugar, cooking oil and beef.  While the official reason is to avoid massive food shortages domestically, this follows deadly protests over across-the-board cuts in government funding for public services.  It should be noted that while the government blames supply problems for the food export halt, government officials also stated that the export ban would end once the people stopped their protests against the government!  A local newspapers quoted Néstor Huanca, Minister of Productive Development and Plural Economy, as blaming the protesters for “million in damages and losses” to the Bolivian economy, and that food exports will only resume once “normal supply conditions are restored”!

These protest also follow Bolivia’s Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy attempt to control inflation by capping domestic beef prices.  In April of this year, there was also protests by retailers, over price increases by beef suppliers/producers.  The beef producers blamed their raising of beef prices on new government regulations and ‘illegal’ competition from Brazil and Peru. And, ironically, a beef worker’s union went on strike to protest the government’s plan to actually increase beef exports!

There have also been protests in the capital city of La Paz, over gold mining restrictions and taxation (which apparently have been resolved).

It looks more like Bolivia’s supply problems are a direct result of government over-reach.

24OCT2022: Bolivian government’s decision to suspend the national census results in massive strikes, road closures, and government services shutdowns!

20OCT2022: The former Minister of the Government of Bolivia pleaded guilty in U.S. court to conspiracy to launder bribes he received in exchange for corruptly helping a U.S. company win a $5.6-million contract from the Bolivian government!

Hunger Games: WHY ARE U.S. TAXPAYER FUNDED RATIONS BEING SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER?