On 18 March 2025, between Viacha and El Alto (La Paz), a group of merchants, artisans, and retailers carried out a demonstration by blocking the road between both municipalities, near Florida Bridge, demanding respect for their working rights, as well as the return of seized goods and end of mistreatment from municipal authorities.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Merchant Protests in La Paz Region, Bolivia

1. Summary

On March 18, 2025, merchants, artisans, and retailers in the Viacha-El Alto section of La Paz Department, Bolivia blocked roads near the Florida Bridge, demanding labor rights guarantees and the return of confiscated goods. Classified as a peaceful protest, this represents a currently low-grade risk situation.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Temporary disruption of La Paz-El Alto logistics axis — Key road network connecting Bolivia's largest city with major airport affected, creating potential inland logistics delays
• Small business distribution network instability — With protesters being merchants and retailers, short-term disruptions expected in regional consumer goods distribution and traditional market supply chains
• El Alto International Airport accessibility — Protests near airport connecting roads may indirectly impact air cargo and passenger movement
• Regional manufacturing raw material procurement — Light manufacturing companies near La Paz may need to reroute raw material transportation

3. Watch points

• Duration and spread of protests — Need to track potential solidarity protests from similar sector workers or expansion to other regions
• Progress in government-merchant negotiations — Monitor authorities' response regarding confiscated goods return and labor rights issues
• La Paz-El Alto alternative route operations — Verify status of detour road utilization and extent of logistics cost increases