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Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/ebola-outbreak-impacts-rice-shipment-asia/
Ebola outbreak impacts rice shipment from Asia
on September 05, 2014 / in News 12:13 am
By Godwin Oritse
LAGOS?THE outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, EVB, in some countries in Africa is beginning to have an impact on the shipment of rice and other agricultural products from far away as Asia, with Thailand?s rice industry being the first to experience a serious impact.
Africa is a major market for Thailand?s rice, but the industry is finding it difficult to meet demand.
Exporters in Bangkok say Africa consumes nine million tons of rice annually and two-thirds of it is imported. But they are currently unable to ship much of their crop to West African ports.
However, seafarers are running away from West Africa on account of the disease. Confirming this, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association; Vichai Sriprasert said dry bulk vessels cannot find crews to man their ships because of fears of possibly contracting the deadly Ebola virus,
?Merchants in West Africa are trying to build up stocks to meet the requirements during Christmas sales. They have to buy now in order to have enough stock. But if we cannot find enough vessels to go there this would jeopardize the whole trade situation,? said Vichai...
Ebola outbreak impacts rice shipment from Asia
on September 05, 2014 / in News 12:13 am
By Godwin Oritse
LAGOS?THE outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, EVB, in some countries in Africa is beginning to have an impact on the shipment of rice and other agricultural products from far away as Asia, with Thailand?s rice industry being the first to experience a serious impact.
Africa is a major market for Thailand?s rice, but the industry is finding it difficult to meet demand.
Exporters in Bangkok say Africa consumes nine million tons of rice annually and two-thirds of it is imported. But they are currently unable to ship much of their crop to West African ports.
However, seafarers are running away from West Africa on account of the disease. Confirming this, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association; Vichai Sriprasert said dry bulk vessels cannot find crews to man their ships because of fears of possibly contracting the deadly Ebola virus,
?Merchants in West Africa are trying to build up stocks to meet the requirements during Christmas sales. They have to buy now in order to have enough stock. But if we cannot find enough vessels to go there this would jeopardize the whole trade situation,? said Vichai...