On 18 March 2025, in La Paz (La Paz), a group of teachers and members of the Trade Union Federation of Peasant Workers of Omasuyos gathered at Murillo square to demonstrate, demanding solutions from the national government for what they called, the economic crisis the country is undergoing as well as measures against increase in food prices and fuel shortage. Teachers also called for a salary increase. Police forces were present but no clashes were reported.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1) Summary On March 18, 2025, a coalition of teachers and farmers' unions held peaceful protests in La Paz, Bolivia, demanding government response to the economic crisis, rising food prices, and fuel shortages. Police were deployed but no clashes occurred, making this currently a low-risk situation.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural sector: Farmers' union participation creates potential for future agricultural production and food supply-chain instability
• Fuel supply: Fuel shortage issues mentioned in protest background confirm energy supply-chain vulnerabilities
• Logistics infrastructure: As Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz could impact inland transportation networks if protests spread
• Lithium industry: Given Bolivia's status as a major global lithium reserve holder, political instability expansion poses risks to global battery supply chains

3) Watch points

• Whether teacher strikes or farmer protests spread and propagate to major cities
• Protest response to government economic policy announcements or fuel/food price stabilization measures
• Signs of additional labor disputes or social instability within Bolivia over the next 2-4 weeks