All Ports
CargoPilot®
Get Started
Buenos Aires
Argentina
ARBUE
Congested
Congestion Status
AIS limited in region
7d2.33 at anchor
Worsening
Trend
10 Apr 2026
Updated 30d ago
Active disruption at Buenos Aires— Buenos Aires 2.33 days. 36-hour nationwide labour strike in Argentina on 9 April from anti-austerity demonstrations. Disrupting cargo movements and inland transport nationwide.· Trend: worsening

Port Intelligence — What freight teams need to know

Argentina's primary container port. Carriers reported waits up to 4 days in Oct 2025. High empty container volumes (800 TEU) impacting terminal operations. Argentine customs complexity (AFIP/ARCA) with import restrictions and currency controls can delay clearance significantly.

Weekly Operational Update
Congested

Week of 10 April 2026 · heavily_disrupted

Buenos Aires 2.33 days. 36-hour nationwide labour strike in Argentina on 9 April from anti-austerity demonstrations. Disrupting cargo movements and inland transport nationwide.

Vessels at Anchor — 4-week trend

—22–28 days ago
—15–21 days ago
—8–14 days ago
2.33Last 7 days
Situation is worsening
Customs Reality at Buenos Aires
7d
Published free time
3d
Effective free time

Argentine customs complex. Import restrictions (SIRAs/SIRASEs), currency controls, and SENASA food inspections create multi-layered delays.

Demurrage: $30/TEU/day · Detention: $18/TEU/day

Common Rejection Reasons

  • SIRA/SIRASE import authorization not obtained
  • SENASA phytosanitary/veterinary certificate issues
  • Currency control documentation — Central Bank authorization for foreign exchange

Known Holds

Most imports
Argentine import authorization system (SIRA/SIRASE) requires pre-approval. Without it, cargo cannot clear customs.
Obtain SIRA authorization before shipping. Monitor Argentine import policy changes — rules change frequently.
Cold Chain Reality at Buenos Aires
Mitigation:Obtain all import authorizations before shipping. Use experienced Argentine customs broker.
Failure point:Customs — regulatory/currency control delays
Significance:High — Argentina exports massive volumes of beef, grains, fruit. Imports processed food.
Primary failure mode:Customs/regulatory complexity. Import authorization delays.
Reefer plug availability:Adequate
Alternative Ports to Buenos Aires

If disruption makes Buenos Aires unviable for your cargo

MontevideoUYMVD
+$100/TEU
120 nm away24h less wait
Works for: Transit to Argentina avoiding BA customs. Some cargo clears in Uruguay.
Not for: Adds cross-border trucking.
CargoPilot®

Cargo Intelligence Platform

Know exactly what's happening to your cargo — before it becomes a problem.

CargoPilot applies deep AI analysis to every shipment moving through Buenos Aires — surfacing risks, customs traps, and delay patterns your freight team would otherwise miss.

  • AI-powered risk analysis on every shipment
  • Port disruption alerts delivered before they hit
  • Customs, demurrage & detention intelligence

First 3 shipments free. No credit card required.

Live AIS Vessels

AIS coverage limited at this port. The free AIS tier has restricted coverage in some regions, particularly mainland China ports and parts of the Middle East.

Money Traps at Buenos Aires
Argentine import authorization delays
Without SIRA, cargo held indefinitely. Rules change frequently.
Work with local agent who monitors regulatory changes daily.
Currency control complications
Foreign exchange restrictions affect payment for demurrage/logistics services.
Plan payment mechanisms in advance with Argentine counterpart.
Seasonal Patterns
Mar-Jun (Grain export peak)
Massive grain export surge. Terminal congestion. Truck queues.
Book early. Time arrivals to avoid grain peak.

Sources

Port intelligence: CargoPilot curated research

Privacy Policy