[bert]

-—— the “scarcity index,” which measures the availability of basic goods-——

Prior to Hugo I regularly visited a small plant that made the rubber bands in elastic stuff. They exported the rubber bands incorporated into the leg openings of disposable diapers to prevent leaks. The diaper manufacture was a mega American company

I wonder if they still have disposable diapers in Caracas

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Argentina it’s circling the bowl too.

I read an article where a business man was frustrated as he can’t import
oak barrels to mature his wine.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

For many decades, roofing flux (a type of asphalt) from VZ was the preferred variety for making shingles in the US. Millions of tons of the stuff was shipped to US ports every year.
Then, Chavez put an end to these sales, in favor of sending it to his new buddies in China for a lower net back.

Genius !