On 15 March 2025, in Aracruz (Espirito Santo), about 1,000 women members of the MST blocked the ES-445 highway to protest against environmental impacts caused by a cellulose company.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Brazil Espírito Santo State Protests

1) Summary On March 15, 2025, approximately 1,000 women affiliated with MST (Landless Workers' Movement) blocked the ES-445 highway in Aracruz, Espírito Santo state, Brazil, protesting the environmental impact of pulp companies. The demonstration was classified as peaceful, but resulted in blockage of major transportation networks.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Brazil's Espírito Santo state is a major pulp and paper production region, with potential short-term disruptions to production and transportation for local pulp companies
• Concerns over delays in transportation of raw materials and finished products within the region due to ES-445 highway blockage
• Brazil is the world's second-largest pulp exporter, with potential ripple effects on international pulp supply chains if regional protests expand
• The Aracruz region is a major port city, with potential indirect impact on maritime logistics networks

3) Watch points

• MST's plans for follow-up protests and whether they will spread to other regions
• Degree of production suspension at affected pulp companies and response measures by local authorities
• Trends toward strengthened environmental regulations across Brazil's pulp and paper industry