by PressArgentina increases corn acreage
Argentina’s corn acreage grows, and soybean acreage shrinks
After several disappointing agricultural seasons, Argentina could finally see an increase in production. Local farmers are expected to expand corn acreage to 6.6 million hectares. This is up 0.3 million hectares from the previous revision.
While corn is a financially profitable crop, soybeans are becoming less attractive. Due to low prices, more Argentine farmers are abandoning legume production. The soybean area is likely to be 18.4 million hectares.
Soybeans and corn are key crops in Argentina. The country is also a leading exporter of corn.
According to FAS, Argentina harvested the following crops in the 2024-2025 season:
— wheat production was about 17 million tonnes;
— corn harvest was 48 million tonnes;
— soybean production of around 52 million tonnes.
It is worth noting that Argentina is actively developing the soybean processing sector. This sector produces meals and oil, which are in high demand in world markets. The development of processing allows Argentina to strengthen its position as the largest exporter of soya bean by-products. It is also helping to expand domestic production to meet feed and biofuel needs.
New ways for wheat supplies
Argentina is expanding its wheat exports and is actively working with Chinese buyers. This market is one of the largest for agricultural commodities. According to Ciara-Cec, local traders are negotiating deals with China. This is important because the last major contracts between the two countries were signed in the 1990s. After that, China preferred to import wheat from the US and Australia.
Trade relations began to recover in 2004 when the PRC authorised purchases of Argentine products. Since then, exporters have been actively exploring opportunities in this market. Chinese buyers, in turn, are showing interest in corn and wheat. Trump’s announcement of new tariffs could play into Argentina’s hands. China would then be forced to look for alternative supply routes, and the country’s offer could be extremely attractive.
The main wheat-producing region in Argentina is the province of Buenos Aires. After a decline in harvest volumes due to the effects of La Niña, local farmers managed to achieve a good result in 2024. Analysts are also forecasting an increase in wheat production for the new season. In addition, the country’s economic recovery is boosting agriculture. For this to happen, however, the government needs to reduce export duties on local products. These currently stand at 12-33%, making Argentine producers less attractive on the world market.