Colombia’s truck drivers will lift their road blockades after reaching a breakthrough deal with the government, reported newspaper El Espectador.

The 15-day strike came to an end after an intermediation from vice president Angelino Garzón with the Colombian Truck Drivers Association (ACC), the story reported.

Spokespersons for the government and the union announced the repeal of two decrees from Jan. 17 and Feb. 11, effectively removing the freight charges that truck drivers were protesting against, the story reported.

El Espectador reported that both sides have agreed to participate in round table talks to work on new regulation proposals for the sector until Jun. 15.

The story said the new system will be based on operating costs and government intervention in the event of market failures, with no ‘forbidden topics’, while removing unpopular subpoenas from the law.

The Colombian Produce Association (Asohofrucol) said the transport strikes and a recent cold spell reduced fruit and horticulture production by 30%, according to Caracol.com.co.

“In Colombia there are 231,000 hectares of fruit and vegetable (crops) that produce 4.5 million (metric) tons worth – undoubtedly the cold wave and now the truck driver strike have contributed to lower production between 30% and 40%,” said Asohofrucol manager José Maya to Caracol Radio.

Colombia’s agricultural export sector has also been recently affected by a U.S. decision not to renew the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), with new tariffs set to be imposed.

Photo: www.eluniversal.com.co

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com

Asohofrucol manager José Maya told Caracol Radio the two-week strikes have already led to speculative price hikes for fruit and horticulture products.

"In Colombia there are 231,000 hectares of fruit and vegetable (crops) that produce 4.5 million (metric) tons worth - undoubtedly the cold wave and now the truck driver strike have contributed to lower production between 30% and 40%," he was quoted as saying.

Maya said continued strikes would lead to enormous losses for the subsector, the story reported.

Colombian president has condemned the truck drivers' actions for 'seriously impairing' the country with their indefinite strike, calling an ultimatum for them to lift their blockades in the cities and highways, according to the European Press Photo Agency.

Colombia's agricultural export sector has also been recently affected by a U.S. decision not to renew the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), with new tariffs set to be imposed.

Related stories: Colombia and Ecuador hit by U.S. tariffs

Photo: www.eluniversal.com.co

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com