International News 02 March 2026
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Brazil’s Record Soy Harvest Strains Amazon Export Logistics
Truck drivers in Brazil are facing unusual delays delivering soybeans to the Miritituba port terminal in the Amazon, as a record harvest of roughly 180 million metric tons overwhelms logistics at one of the world’s key export hubs. Long queues—stretching up to 30 kilometers—have left drivers waiting for days after traveling over 1,200 kilometers from Mato Grosso. Miritituba handles around 12 million metric tons of grains annually, serving as a critical transshipment point where companies such as Cargill, Bunge, and Amaggi load soybeans and corn onto barges for onward shipment. The delays highlight persistent bottlenecks in Brazil’s agricultural supply chain, particularly as most exports are destined for China. Logistical pressure has intensified following protests by Indigenous activists who occupied Cargill’s transshipment facility in Santarém, opposing government plans to dredge and expand shipping capacity in the Amazon basin. The demonstrations prompted authorities to revoke a decree supporting waterway expansion, creating uncertainty for exporters. Experts warn that halting infrastructure upgrades—especially river dredging to allow larger vessels year-round—could undermine Brazil’s medium- to long-term export efficiency. With around 60% of agricultural exports still reliant on trucks, infrastructure constraints at Miritituba are raising concerns over rising transport costs and the country’s ability to sustain its position as the world’s leading soybean exporter.
Netflix Shares Surge After Exiting Warner Bros Bidding War
Shares of Netflix jumped nearly 14% on Friday (27/2/2026) after the company withdrew from the months-long bidding battle for Warner Bros, leaving Paramount as the winning bidder. Paramount agreed to acquire Warner Bros in a US$110 billion deal expected to close in Q3 2026 and will also cover a US$2.8 billion termination fee that Warner previously owed Netflix. Netflix declined to match Paramount’s latest US$31 per share offer or raise its own US$27.75 bid, stating the transaction was “no longer financially attractive.” Investors welcomed the move as a sign of capital discipline, particularly after Netflix shares had fallen more than 18% since first announcing its Warner bid in December 2025. Paramount’s stock surged nearly 21% on the news, though analysts noted the deal values Warner Bros at roughly 13 times EBITDA—almost double Paramount’s own valuation multiple. The acquisition would give Paramount access to major intellectual property franchises such as Fantastic Beasts and The Matrix, strengthening its position in the streaming race against Netflix, Disney, and Amazon. However, analysts cautioned that Warner’s declining assets and Paramount’s increased leverage—backed by US$45.7 billion in equity and a higher US$7 billion termination commitment—raise execution and debt risks. With regulatory approvals and integration challenges ahead, pressure now shifts to Paramount to justify the hefty price tag, while Netflix is seen as refocusing on its core streaming strategy.
Russia Urges Immediate Halt to U.S. and Israeli Strikes on Iran
Russia on Saturday (28/2) called for an immediate cessation of military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, stressing that the situation must return to a political and diplomatic resolution. In a statement, Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged the international community to deliver an objective assessment of what it described as irresponsible actions that risk further destabilizing the region. Moscow reaffirmed its readiness to assist efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful solution grounded in international law, mutual respect, and a balance of interests. The statement underscored Russia’s longstanding position that escalating military actions could deepen regional instability and undermine prospects for diplomatic engagement.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/rusia-desak-as-israel-hentikan-serangan-terhadap-iran