Brazilian customs employees went on strike March 18 after nearly 98 percent of them voted in favor of that action March 11. Services that have been suspended as a result of the strike, which is expected to last until at least March 24, include most import and export customs clearance and federal tax collection. Sources indicate that the only shipments being released are perishable items, explosives and pharmaceuticals. It is creating an extensive backlog of cargoes.

Customs employee leaders said prior to the strike that 30 percent of customs activities would continue while it was underway. About 70 percent of customs inspectors and auditors have remained off the job since March 18. The decline in service is expected to result in losses for importers and exporters, and officials plan to review the extent of the damage next week.