According to a recent Dow Jones Newswire story, Mexican officials fear the ongoing strike of over 48,000 sugar mill workers will delay harvest operations that usually start during the middle of December. Optimism remains low that the Mexican industry will reach a deal and end the three-week strike any time soon.
The strike hit the industry at a time when workers repair mill machinery in preparation for harvest. Officials fear the strike will delay harvest even if it is resolved quickly.
According to Infolatina, the first 15 days of the strike cost the industry 100 million pesos and resulted in a 15-percent jump in the retail price. The National Sugar and Alcohol Industries estimates Mexican supplies will cover only the next 45 days.