Date: Thursday, June 15, 2006

Re:	SHIPMENTS FROM ARGENTINA AND CHILE

Dear Customers,

During the winter season, for shipments originating in Argentina and sent to destinations via Chilean ports (Valparaiso/San Antonio), there can be delays in crossing the border between the two countries due to the weather conditions.

The road connecting Mendoza to Chile passes through the Cordillera de los Andes (3000 meters above the sea level), and occasionally the transit is interrupted by order of the local authorities due to the severity of the weather conditions.

Normally the daily traffic is around 600 to 700 trucks. Even with reduced interruptions (3 or 4 hours), not all of the trucks are able to cross under the estimated schedule.

This situation usually lasts until the end of September.

It is then important to define with anticipation the plans for stock / goods sourcing, either considering the alternative option to ship via Buenos Aires port, or potentially missing the scheduled vessel.

Our office receives daily official reports from the road authorities in Argentina and Chile.

We remain then at your disposal, in order to analyze together a successful coordination of your shipments.

With best regards,

JF Hillebrand Argentina SA

Laura Montilla
Country Manager

T +54 261 405 7000
l.montilla@jfhillebrand.com