To our valued customers:
As you may be aware, Nicaragua is currently being rocked by political unrest in response to the government’s plans to reform the nation’s social security program. While President Daniel Ortega has announced that the changes are being reversed, violent protests have continued. Regrettably some 30 people have died in clashes between protesters and the government thus far.
http://www.latimes.com/…/la-fg-nicaragua-protests-20180423-…
Our contacts in Nicaragua have informed us that coffee exports may be impacted by these events. Many export offices are operating on limited schedules or encouraging their staffs not to report to work out of safety considerations, and security at ports is a matter of serious concern. The U.S. Embassy is reducing staff presence in response to the dangerous situation in Managua.
As there is currently no indication that the situation is becoming less serious, it is possible that significant delays in coffee shipments may become a reality.
ICT will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as events warrant.
Sincerely,
ICT Coffee